Eliese Baldree Russell, 96, of Tullahoma, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at her residence at Brookdale Senior Living. She was born in Ayden, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Letha Tripp Baldree. She was a homemaker until her youngest started school. She then worked for a number of years as a bookkeeper at Otasco/Economy Auto and then for Rock-Tenn Company where she retired in 1989. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church where she worshiped and served the Lord. She worked in the Children’s Programs for over 20 years. She also was a member of the Harton Regional Medical Center Auxiliary for over 25 years where she volunteered in the Gift Shop and served as treasurer for several years. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Charles Russell and her brother and sister-in-law O.C. and Thelma Baldree. She is survived by her son, Craig (Kathy) Russell and her daughter, Leslie Russell, all of Tullahoma; one grandson, Kyle (Becky) Russell, great-grandson, Noah Russell, and great-granddaughter, Harper Russell, all of Hazel Green, Alabama. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families.

Services were held Jan. 14 at Kilgore Funeral Home with Dr. J. Herbert Hester officiating. Burial followed at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Tullahoma First Baptist Church Children’s Ministry.

Kilgore Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

Tullahoma News – Jan. 28, 2024