Obituary of Jo Ellen Russ

Jo Ellen (Duennes) Russ, 44, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, having lived long enough to develop consummate writing and editing talents, marry her best friend, and have two beautiful children. But it wasn't nearly long enough for all the family members, friends and colleagues she captivated with her assured yet nurturing demeanor, colorful storytelling and unvarnished yet polished perspectives on topics ranging from presidential politics to "American Idol." Born Nov. 1, 1968, in Fort Thomas, Ky., to Sandra Jo (Leach) Duennes and the late Michael Kurt Duennes, Jo Ellen grew up in Independence, Ky., and graduated from Simon Kenton High School in 1986. After earning bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Northwestern University, Jo Ellen worked as a Senior Editor at ST Media Group Intl. in Cincinnati. There, she met someone who, she told friends at first, made her laugh. She ultimately realized Jeff Russ also made her happy. The love of her life, they married Nov. 8, 1996. Their honeymoon in Amsterdam and trip to Paris were lasting highlights of Jo Ellen's travels, which included family vacations the Outer Banks, Florida's Gulf Coast and Hawaii. Jo Ellen loved a good beach almost as much as a good beach read, in which she would indulge even when she was away from the sun and sand. Jeff and Jo Ellen bought a home in Fort Thomas and had their first child, Julianna Marie Russ, in 2002. Jo Ellen balanced a long-distance work commute to the Batesville Casket Company, where she was a marketing communications manager, with first-time motherhood. By the time Zachary Paul Russ arrived in 2006, Jo Ellen had decided to devote her attention full time to her children and to the extended family - including the nieces and nephews who lovingly called her "Aunt Joey" -- that counted on her for guidance and help in any situation, large or small. Her children flourished, and their achievements, whether it was Julianna's reading and writing prowess or Zachary's school successes, were primary topics in her conversations. The middle child of three girls, Jo Ellen often was mistaken for the oldest, so protective was she of her sisters. She was equally devoted to her mother whose strength in raising her daughters was manifest in Jo Ellen's unbowed character. Jo Ellen considered "The Daily Show" must-see TV. She never strayed too far from a cup of coffee or the written word. After becoming a full-time mom, she continued editing, some for freelance pay and some for friends who needed her sharp eye on a resume or cover letter. Her straightforward style, her ability to spin stories, her unwavering loyalty to family and friends, and her chocolate chip cookies (the only authentic replication of her grandmother's recipe) will be as deeply missed as her long hugs and quick smile. Jo Ellen is survived by her loving husband of sixteen-plus years, Jeff Russ, and two children, Julianna (age 10) and Zachary (age 7); her mother, Sandra Jo (Leach) Duennes, and two sisters, Danielle Bockmon (Clay) and Jenny Zurad (Matt); her brother- and sister-in-law, Andy and Leslie Russ, and father-in-law Gil Russ (Susan); four nephews, Kurt and Luke Zurad and Jake and Brett Bockmon; and three nieces, Erika and Kylie Russ and Nina Zurad, as well as many other family, friends and colleagues who loved her dearly. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Jo Ellen Russ Children's Scholarship Fund, c/o Fifth Third Bank, (859) 441-0500. Visitation and funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, in Independence, Ky. Visitation begins at 11 a.m., the funeral service at 2 p.m.