Sandra June (DuCharme) Russell, 76, born in Elkhart, Indiana to parents Robert and Alice DuCharme, died on Oct. 8, 2024, at her home after courageously battling cancer and renal failure for a decade. 

She received a B.S. degree from MTSU and a degree of Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee.

She was a strong advocate for child welfare and the need to find orphans and other children a good permanent home. She started by working for Governor Alexanders Commission on Adoption and ended by founding her own nonprofit adoption agency, Heaven Sent Children in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and she rejoiced in giving thousands of children a family.

For many years she was a Girl Scout leader usually having 2 troops of different age groups. At the same time, she served in Scout Administration in Montgomery County, Tenn., and as chairman of the Girl Scout Council in Vernon Parish, LA.

During her husband’s military career, she was employed by the U.S. Army and worked with young soldiers helping them and their families with training, education and welfare on post around the world.

She is survived by daughters Kristen Russell, Melissa Klein and Tonya Russell; Granddaughter Cara Carlson; sisters, Roberta Thomas, Kathy Mow, brother Robert DuCharme, Husband of 56 years, Wayne Russell.

She was a member of Westside Nazarene Church in Tullahoma.

A private graveside service will be held on Oct. 11, with Rev. Bobby McBee officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be sent to Family Food Ministry, 662 Sarvis Branch Road Estill Springs, TN, 37330.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.

Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Oct. 13, 2024