Russ, Ann Marie

Ann Marie Russ, 69, of Marion, died Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at her home with all four of her children present. Per her request, there will be no services. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, Iowa.

Survivors include her husband, William; four children, Tracy, Steve, John and Michael; and four grandchildren.

Ann was born March 23, 1941, in Portsmouth, N.H. She lived a life devoted to giving and caring for others and the animals she loved. Ann touched everyone that she met.

She will be deeply missed as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

One of her favorite sayings, which comes from a school reading book, is: “Nothing you love is lost. Things, people - they always go away, sooner or later. You can't hold them anymore than you can hold moonlight. But, if they've touched you, if they're inside you, then they're still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart.”

Memorials may be made to: Leiomyo Sarcoma Research Foundation, LM Sarcoma Direct Research, P.O. Box 52697, Tulsa, OK 74152 (if credit/debit card: ); Hospice of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233; or ASPCA-Special Giving, Attn: Linda Tiramani, 520 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018.

Please sign the online guest book for Ann at  under obituaries.