Died at Radius Fulton, Friday July 3, 2026; aged 88 years.
Dearly loved wife of Mac Russell*, and Earl Matthews*, much loved mother and mother-in-law of Susan and Austin*, Simon, Hamish* and Bridget, Angus and Ange*, cherished and loving grandma and great-grandma of Jess and George, Willia, and Annie; Daniel and Tash, Lucca, and Carter; Cam and Nikayla, Lochy, and Maggie; Harry and Celine.
A service will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, at 11am on Saturday July 11, followed by private interment in Hyde Cemetery.
Flowers respectfully declined, donations to Cancer Society would be appreciated and may be left at the service or below. Messages to Russell's Family, C/- PO Box 5013, Dunedin 9054, access to livestream below.
Service details
The service was held on 11 Jul 2026.
Live stream
LivestreamMessages
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I met Ruth in the early 90s when Waikouaiiti AAW closed and she and Elsie Valilly joined us in St Martins, NEV, She was experienced, enthusiastic and a great asset to the group. Have met her again at Holy Cross, since we both moved house, and sat beside her at combined Deanery services. She hadn't changed a bit! Pain and Infirmity did not appear to have dampened her spirit. A rest well earned.
A message from Mother Alena of the Community of the Sacred Name We will surely pray for Ruht in our prayers. I met her once when I accompanied Mother a few years ago. We are surely blessed to have all her support, her love and her never ending prayers for the Community. with all our love and prayers, Mr Alena and from all of us here in Christchurch Community of the Sacred Name.
Mike Evans here, Barbara’s middle son. Ruth was my Godmother and she was so thoughtful, sending me a birthday present every year when I was young. I think about the effort to do that from the farm near Hyde. She was a loyal friend to Barbara over all those years. My love and condolences to you and your family. Mike
Ruth was a valued member of Dunedin Diocese Association of Anglican Women and was a team member at several Cursillo Weekends where her piano playing was appreciated.
Dear Russell Families Thinking of you all at this sad time. Sending lots of Love and Courage. 👏 Great memories of our early days in Hyde. Was an awesome Village to grow up in. Unfortunately i will be in Christchurch at the time of Ruth's passing but will tune into the livestream Marion Kinney XOXOXO 💐💖