Doris J. "Dorrie" Shea Russell, 80 , a long-time resident of Walton, passed gently away on June 15, 2009, after a painful, courageous and long-fought illness.

She was born in Albany, the daughter of M. Holland and Mildred (McNair) Shea. Shortly after Doris' birth, the family moved to Andes, the home-place of Mildred. Holly and Millie managed the Victory Store for many years. Dorrie and her siblings attended, and graduated from, Andes Central School. There she met and thereafter married, Clifton E. Russell.

The young couple moved to Walton, where Clif was employed by Breakstones, and Dorrie worked for the telephone company (then located above Webb's Clothing Store). Dorrie was a stay-at-home Mom and the couple raised a family of five children. She then went to work at McLean's Grocery Store, and later was employed at DelMet.

Predeceasing her were her parents; her siblings: Jacquelyn Shea Degnan, Virginia Shea Kautsky, Herbert H. Shea, and her husband, Clif.

After the death of her husband, Dorrie, purchased the Lazy R Ranch, a popular establishment located on Beers Brook Road. The business was destroyed by fire in 1983, but renovations to the basic structure provided her and her children a comfortable and welcoming home for her remaining years.

Loving survivors include her children: Gary Russell (wife, Meta), Dan Russell (wife, Shannon), Roxanne Pippin, Linda Brundage (Ken Misner), Sherri Price (husband, Willie). She was a grandmother of seven, and a great-grandmother of seven. Dorrie was also a surrogate mother for her deceased sisters' seven children: Bonnie, Jim, and Dorrie Dawn Degnan, Roy Dickson, Nancy, Bill, and Dawn Kautsky.

She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Ellen D. Shea, and two brothers-in- law: Millard "Stub" Russell, and John Russell.

Dorrie was a fun-loving, generous, kind lady. Her passions included sports (especially baseball and football), flowers, visiting with people, cooking and baking. Dorrie's door was always open, and her kitchen, complete with freshly baked sweets, was the gathering place for family and friends for many years. She was a wonderful friend, and helped several through their final years. Her sense of humor was one of her trademarks, and she held on to that even in her final days. Dorrie always wore an Angel Pin, and those of us who are left without her, see her as Our Angel.

As per her wishes, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the Walton Cemetery for family and friends on Friday, June 19, 2009, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice, to honor her memory.

Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton.