| Graduation Year | Class of 1962 |
| Date of Passing | May 30, 2013 |
| About | Ann S. Russell, lifetime resident and pillar of the Trumansburg community, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at the age of 68. Born in Geneva on July 10, 1944, Ann was the daughter of the late Edgar and Alberta (Washburn) Sebring. After graduating from Trumansburg Central School in 1962, Ann attended Ithaca College where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in 1966. Following in both of her parents' footsteps, Ann became a physical education teacher. She began her teaching career in Minetto for a year, and then transferred to Geneva for two years, and finally in 1969, she accepted a position in Trumansburg. Ann's career in Trumansburg would continue until her retirement in 1999. Ann dedicated herself tirelessly to the Trumansburg community. She volunteered her time and upbeat spirit to the Gemm Shop, Cayuga Medical Center Gift Shop, served on the Board of Directors for Juniper Manor, acted as crossing guard, served on the nominating committee for the Trumansburg Sports Hall of Fame, was an active part of organizing the annual Trumansburg School Reunions, and put together many of the retired teachers association luncheons and gatherings. The pride and joy of Ann's volunteer work was her annual organization of the Red Kettle Campaign for the Salvation Army. She worked diligently making phone calls and ringed the bell for years and was honored to receive an award from the Salvation Army for her efforts. Her unique and vibrant personality was expressed outwardly in as many ways as she could. Ann's impressive Hummer and eccentric green Jeep could always be spotted zooming through the streets of Trumansburg. Ann threw memorable parties for every occasion including the Superbowl, New Year's Eve, school parties, and sauna parties. Anyone who attended a Christmas Eve party or New Year's Eve party will never forget her tradition of breaking the peppermint pig for good luck. Ann married the love of her life, Kenneth Russell on June 11, 1966. Over the course of their 31 year marriage, Ann and Ken enjoyed snowmobiling, golfing, auto racing, and traveling to various camping destinations. Her family meant everything to her and the light of her life was her grandson Geoffrey, who always lovingly referred to Ann as "Granny Green Jeep." They spent countless hours on adventures together and had a very special bond. Ann considered many of her riends to be a part of her family. Monthly lunches and Sunday breakfasts with high school friends and former colleagues were times that Ann always looked forward to. While Ann's physical presence will be deeply missed, her footprint on the Trumansburg community and in the hearts of all who knew her will never be forgotten. Ann is survived by her daughter, Kendra (Hugh) Trimm of Trumansburg; beloved grandson, Geoffrey; brothers-in-law, Gary (Karen) Russell and Jay (Jean) Russell; nephews, Sam (Stephanie), Joe (Kate), Ben (Meghan), and Josh; niece, Erica; and several very close friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Russell in 1997. The family will be present to receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, 80 E. Main Street, Trumansburg. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those to follow in Ann's footsteps by donating in her memory to the Salvation Army, 150 N. Albany St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or the Cortland Community SPCA, 879 McLean Road, Cortland, NY 13045. The family have entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446. www.ness-sibley.com Published in Ithaca Journal on June 3, 2013 |
