Evelyn Elaine Emshoff Russell

Evelyn Elaine Emshoff Russell, 75, of Bryan, formerly of Navasota, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, March 15, 2026. She was born March 3, 1951, the daughter of Will and Sophie Becker Emshoff. Visitation will begin at 1 pm, with the funeral service at 2 pm, both at Nobles Funeral Chapel. Interment to follow in Zion Church Cemetery of Anderson. Officiating services is Pastor Richard Lamb. Services are in the care of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

Evelyn was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Anderson, Texas. She was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, Texas in 1965. Her mother, Sophie, a very sweet, kind, and loving lady, passed away in January of 1959, when Evelyn was seven years old. Evelyn’s sister Velma at age 16 and their brother, Clarence at 19 years of age, took over a lot of responsibility of taking care of little sister Evelyn.

Their father married Ruby Jean Steward Walker, when Evelyn was 9 years old. Her new stepmother was nothing like the stories that you hear about the mean stepmother. Ruby Jean was a sweet and loving mother who spoiled Evelyn greatly. Ruby Jean passed away in April of 1982.

Evelyn married Oran Eugene “Gene” Russell on September 30, 1973, at Zion Lutheran Church in Anderson. Gene was the “COWBOY” country kind of man who was always willing to help others. Gene could fix anything he put his mind to. If he saw something done once, he could do it the next time, even better. He was a very smart common sense wise guy.

Evelyn and Gene adopted three children Christopher James at 9 years of age; Amy Lynn when she was six; and William Robert when he was four years old. Amy passed away on March 9, 2015 because of a car wreck.

Evelyn and Gene were married thirty-six years upon his passing on November 19, 2009. Evelyn loved to sing and had sang at church celebrations. Many weddings, some funerals, area restaurants, county jamborees, and for some senior groups. She loved the feeling you get performing and knowing that you are singing the best you can.

Evelyn also enjoyed researching family history. She has written family history books for many different families. The part of researching she liked best was piecing the puzzles together.

She also loved dogs and cats. She had several of each throughout the years.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Russell, her daughter, Amy Russell, her grandparents, Adolph and Elise Leiber Emshoff and F. W. C. And Minnie Moller Becker, her parents Will and Sophie Becker Emshoff, her brother, Wilbert, who passed away in July 1979, her step-mother, Ruby Jean Emshoff, her brother-in-law, Frank Curtis Smith, Jr., and, nephew, Frank Curtis Smith, III.

Evelyn will be buried next to her husband, Oran Eugene “Gene” Russell in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery where her great grandparents, The Leibers, The Beckers, and The Millers, her grandparents, the Emshoffs and the Beckers, her parents, Will and Sophie Becker Emshoff, her daughter Amy Lynn Russell, are also buried.

Evelyn’s legacy continues on through her sons Christopher James Russell and William Robert Russell and wife Christine; her sister Velma Emshoff Smith; her brother Clarencer Emsoff and wife Geraldine; her granddaughter Klara Lei Russell; her grandsons, Blaine Christopher Russell, Dustin Alan Russell, Trey Alan Smith, Matthew Tyler Russell, Koen Bradly Russell and wife Meyah – Love Sincere Russell, Charles Garret Russell, Joseph Wesley Russell, Cody Allen Russell, and her four legged “kids” Toby Tyler, Dusty Cheyenne, and Bella Reece.