It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Shirley Anne (Thornton) Russell on October 7, 2025, at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages FL. Surrounded by loved ones, she left this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of generosity of spirit, humor and warmth.

She was born on September 1, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA to Robert W.  and Mary (Ferguson) Thornton. Her father's sales profession with Pepsi Cola required them to move about the country, especially after her mother's early death. Her father's brother, "Daddy Bunch" and wife, Mary Lou were like second parents to her along with their three sons Gordon, Bill and Don where they lived in Roanoke VA. Known as Shan in her teens to her family and friends she became  an accomplished equestrian, training and jumping quarter horses in competition. After graduation she attended UNC Women's College to study art.

During a trip to Michigan to visit her aunt, Shirley met her future husband, Carl Russell in Wyandotte, Michigan. They had seven children, raising them in Southfield Michigan prior to moving to The Villages in 1997. Together they started a floor covering/interiors business in  Farmington Hills. They were married for 47 for years prior to his sudden death in 1999. After his passing she began working as a pool monitor and then as a golf starter for The Villages primarily at Hacienda and Mira Mesa golf courses up until a week prior to her death. She was a passionate fan of Detroit professional sports Go Red Wings! Go Tigers! Go Lions!

She is survived by six of her children:  Mary Lou (Joe) Nowak of The Villages, FL; Robert of Woodhaven, MI; John of Trenton, MI; Carl of the Villages, FL; Shari (Scott) Wooster of Farmington Hills, MI and Don (Ann Marie) of Newport, MI. Her son William predeceased her in 1979. Also surviving are 5 wonderful grandchildren: BethAnn (Nowak) McNabb (Patrick), Megan Russell, Donny Russell, Derek (Lauren) Wooster and Brendan Wooster. She was a proud great grandma to Curtis and Donavan McNabb and Owen and Theo Wooster.

She was fortunate to have many friends who she met through her varied interests of golf, mahjong and cards. The family would like to thank her "Group Therapy" friends and cousin Sherri Klinefelter for their love and support. Recently the community of Lady Lake UMC welcomed her into their loving congregation. A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan. She will be interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI with her husband and son.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations to: Cornerstone Hospice 601 Mariposa Way, The Villages FL  32162 or Lady Lake United Methodist Church (LLUMC) 106 W. McClendon St, Lady Lake FL 32159.

May she rest in eternal peace.