Bernita Mae Russell

Our Beloved Mom, Gramma, and Great Gramma, Bernita M. “Birdie” Russell, 84, of Anaconda, Montana, passed away peacefully with her Family by her side on April 28, 2026.

Born March 30, 1942, in Asotin, Washington, Birdie was the youngest of twelve children, and the last surviving sibling. She shared an especially close bond with her beloved mother, Mildred Cox, a relationship that shaped her deep devotion to family.

On her 21st birthday, March 30, 1963, she married the love of her life, Gerald L. “Gary” Russell. Born just weeks apart, Birdie and Gary built a life centered on love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. They were inseparable, where one was, the other was never far behind. Their love story was evident to all who knew them.

Together they raised three daughters: Rhonda, Deanna, and Debbie. Birdie was a devoted homemaker who found her greatest purpose in raising her family. She was always there, waiting at home after school, meals prepared, expectations set, and love abundantly given. Her home was filled with warmth, structure, laughter, and unforgettable traditions.

Family life was rich with traveling to visit loved ones, camping trips, music, and togetherness. Some of the most cherished memories were made around campfires, singing as Gary played guitar and banjo, with Birdie by his side. Their campsite welcomed everyone, no stranger stayed a stranger for long. Her kitchen was the heart of every gathering, and no one ever left her table hungry.

Birdie had a special love for hummingbirds, her favorite color purple, and blooming flowers of all kinds…small reflections of the joy and beauty she carried with her. She loved deeply and completely.

Tragedy struck when their daughter Debbie was killed at the age of 20, an unimaginable loss that forever changed their lives. Later, the passing of Gary in 2020 left Birdie heartbroken. Though she carried on with strength, the loss of her husband and daughter was one she never truly recovered from.

She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda (Tom) Vauthier and Deanna (Norman) Swartz, her grandchildren TJ (Cassie) Vauthier, Kylie (Kevin) Dee, Ryan (Katelyn) Swartz, and Stephanie Swartz, her great-grandchildren Zyler, Khael, Rhett, Kirra, Wells, Carter, and Camille.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gary and her daughter Debbie.

While her family grieves her loss deeply, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with the loves of her life.

We love you, Mom, may you finally smile, laugh, and dance again.

A celebration honoring her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Anaconda Job Corps in honor of Gary and Birdie, whose journey to Montana began with Gary’s work there and grew into a lifetime of love, family, friends and cherished memories.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is privileged to care for Bernita and her family.