Bennie Pike Russell

Bennie Pike Russell, 95 years of age, passed away on April 18, 2019 at Stillwater Medical Center, surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held Monday, 10:00 am, Perkins First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery.


Bennie was born on September 19, 1923 to Frank and Elizabeth Patterson and her two beloved sisters, Lois Hughes and Louise Kennedy. Never was a child loved as much as Bennie.

Bennie was best known for her musical talent which she shared in multiple ways. She taught music in Medford Oklahoma, where she was also pianist, organist and singer at the First Baptist Church.

Later she moved to Stillwater where she delightfully served as housemother to the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. While there, she met Joe Trenton Russell and they married in 1988. She moved to Perkins where she immediately felt at home with Joe’s friends, family and church, Perkins First Baptist Church. Bennie and Joe shared a love of many things: fishing, spending time with their friends, attending plays, going on bus trips across the country. They had a wonderful life together.

Bennie began visiting many nursing homes in the area where she sang and played piano for the residents. This was truly her calling. She also traveled as a performing member of Oklahoma’s Singing ChurchWomen, including a ministry to Brazil.

Bennie is survived by her husband, Joe Trenton Russell, daughters, Melanie Aven, Rachel Myers, and sons, Trey Aven, Chuck Smetana and Todd Smetana.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.