Mary T. Russell, 88, of Oil City, formerly of Emlenton, went to be with the Lord early Wednesday evening, October 18, 2017 at Oakwood Heights in Oil City. 

                Mary was born in Emlenton on October 25, 1928.  She was the daughter of the late Lawrence S. and Blanche Barnes Grieff. 

                She was a graduate of Emlenton High School.

                She was a member of St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Oil City. 

                She enjoyed canning, knitting, playing cards, camping, especially in Canada, and most especially, family 'get-togethers.'

                In her earlier years, she had been employed at Davidson-McNair in Rouseville. 

                Mrs. Russell was married in Oil City on December 12, 1952.  by the Rev. W.R. Griffin to Ralph T. Russell. He preceded her in death on July 13, 1998. 

                She is survived by seven children:  Jeanne Russell of Seneca, Patricia Reese of Reno, Marcia Russell and her significant other, Regis Hollinger of Oil City, Barbara Huffman and her husband Larry of Oil City, Ralph 'Ted' Russell, Jr. of Erie, Pamela Wilson and her husband Paul of Lakeworth, Florida, and Stella Watson of Oil City; twelve grandchildren: Sharon Dunn, Amber Russell, Christine Pillsbury, Ashley Pillsbury, Rebecca May, Kyle Huffman, Eric Russell, Evan Russell, Steve, Emily, and Joseph Drozdo, and Jacquelyn Holt; as well as 18 great-grandchildren. 

                Also surviving are two sisters, Ruth Nuhfer and her husband Patrick of Warren, and Louise Colwell and her husband James of Knox; a sister-in-law, Julia Grieff of Emlenton; a brother-in-law, Harry Grimm and his wife Margaret of Slippery Rock; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

                In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Ann; two sons-in-law, Marshall Lanz and Ronald McClintock; six siblings: Helen Grieff, Joseph Grieff, Elizabeth Edwards, Robert Grieff, Lawrence Grieff and his wife Kate, and Frederick Grieff; and a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nephews. 

                Friends will be received from 6-9 p.m. Friday (Oct. 20) in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township.  A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Saturday (Oct. 21) at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. John Miller, pastor of St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, officiating. 

                Interment will be in Emlenton Cemetery. 

                Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478
Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

                Condolences may be submitted online by visiting www.hilebest.com

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