Virginia Ilean Russell

Virginia (Jinny) Ilean Russell (nee Reithmeyer) passed away on March 1, 2022 in Hartford, Wisconsin. She was born in Pontiac, Michigan in 1958 to Joyce and Herbert Reithmeyer, who preceded her in death, but spent most of her childhood in Munising, Michigan. Always quick to make friends, Jinny grew up with a close group of neighborhood buddies and often spoke of playing from sunup until sundown. In high school, Jinny moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she met her husband, Joe, who lived next door. Jinny and Joe were the proud parents of one son, Joe Jr, better known as Joey. When they weren’t doting on their son or attending his sporting events, they enjoyed spending time with friends and family, camping, and traveling. Jinny and Joe also founded and operated Word Tech Transcription in Mequon, Wisconsin. They closed the business and moved to Hartford in 2009 to be closer to Joey and his family and to spoil their two grandchildren, Adeline and Crosby, who they adored. Sadly, Joe passed away in 2012. Jinny was known as Mama Russell to Joey’s friends, as she loved them all and delighted in being around them. Jinny believed that “food is love” and was always reading cooking magazines, watching the Food Network, and cooking for those she cared about. Those who knew her will miss her infamous pasties, incredible Thanksgiving dinner, and signature Christmas cookies. Along with a passion for feeding others, Jinny had a huge heart and never hesitated to offer help or strike up a conversation with anyone around her. Jinny is survived by her son, Joey Russell (Liz), her grandchildren, Adeline and Crosby, her brother, Dan June (Debbie), her sister, Carol Strelczyk (nee Reithmeyer), and many other family members and friends who loved her dearly. Her abundance of love and kindness will be deeply missed, along with her sense of humor, long text messages, and incredible cooking. We love you always, Jinny, and will forever miss you. A memorial service is planned for the summer of 2022.