Sherri Russell

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Sherri Lea Russell, age 65, of Joplin, passed away on September 6, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Sherri, daughter of the late John R. and Maggie “Leona” (Hauser) Hulette, was born on July 14, 1956 in Joplin. She was a lifelong resident of Joplin, graduating from Memorial High School. 

Sherri grew up in a large family of five children who were extremely tight-knit and who continued to be so until her death and beyond. She looked up to and emulated her mother, and even in adulthood, they spent hours catching up on the day’s events on the phone nearly daily. She was also extremely close to her grandmother as a child, and spent many hours at her home. 

She was a cheerleader in high school and described herself as extremely shy in school. She had several close friends which she maintained relationships with throughout life. She had an especially tight relationship with her baby brother Lonnie, and nearly raised him. He became a caretaker to her later in life and helped her daily once her husband passed away. She and her sister Marla were also extremely close as children and throughout life, and talked about everything until late at night, even when distance separated them.

She met her future husband John Russell at only 18 years old. They were married on July 20, 1974 in Joplin. She said she knew immediately that she was going to marry him because he was so funny. He preceded her in death on December 28, 2017. 

Sherri was a devoted in-home child caregiver for many years. She cared for many children throughout her years, many of whom she remained in contact with long after they started school or even became adults themselves. Two of the children that she cared for were her own niece and nephew Brooke and Colton. She had a special relationship with both of them. She was especially close with Brooke and often acted as a mother figure to her, guiding her in life decisions. Sherri enjoyed spending time with Colton, who she always said was so sweet and brought her joy. Sherri also often enjoyed babysitting her nephew Jeremy and niece Jenny when he they were young before having children of her own.

Sherri had one daughter, Misti, when she was only 20 years old and devoted her life to being a mom. She often stated that she could not wait to be a mom. She was a doting mother and enjoyed participating in school events. Sherri and John took her everywhere, and people often called Misti her “shadow.” Sherri was elated to become a grandmother in 2005, and spoiled her granddaughter Rylie terribly. She was the primary caretaker daily while her mother worked, and she and John enjoyed playing with her, and taking her places, and having tea parties with her.

Sherri loved children and animals throughout her life and could often be seen holding and rocking the children of family and friends. She relished opportunities to babysit. Even as a child, she was drawn to animals and can be seen even in old photos caring for pets. She loved her dog Maggie and treated her as her baby.

Survivors include her daughter, Misti Peterson, and her partner, Mark Akers; one granddaughter, Rylie Peterson; two brothers, Lonnie Hulette, and his partner Debbie Summers, and Ron Hulette, and his wife, Laura; one sister, Marla Tallman. Niece Jennifer Scott and her husband, Doug, son Adam Scott, and his wife, Alex, and son Sawyer Scott; nephew Jamie Tallman, and his wife Angie Tallman, children Jordan, Alyssa, Mikel, and Andrew; nephew Jeremy Hulette, and his wife, Jeanette, children Kurtlin Hulette, Kaylie Hulette, and Jaren Hulette and his fiancé Kylie, niece Brooke Hulette and daughter Skye Leona
Rowe; nephew Colton Hulette and his partner Saleana Harruff-Hatton; niece Cassie Jankowski and daughter Brittany.

Sherri was preceded in death by her husband John Russell, her parents Leona and John Hulette, and her brother, John T. Hulette.

Sherri became close to her brother John especially in later life, and they had a very fun and jovial relationship. She also had a close relationship with her brother Ron and his wife Laura throughout life, and she talked to them frequently and they helped her often.

Sherri loved to laugh and enjoyed music, including her favorite band Journey, for whom she named her kitten. She loved shopping and movies. Her favorite pastime of all, though, was having family gathered around for the holidays with food and kinship, which typically went into the wee hours of the morning. She especially loved Thanksgiving and Christmas, and loved decorating for the holidays, keeping a year-round Christmas tree.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. Memorial service to be held at 11:00am at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Joplin. Please check website for additional details.

Arrangements are under the care and personal direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.