Taylor Alexis Russell

Taylor Alexis Alex Russell, 18, of Edmond passed into the arms of her Savior on March 3, 2016. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater and a service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 2pm at Spring Creek Assembly in Edmond with Interment following at Memorial Park Cemetery. Public visitation will be held at Crawford Funeral Home in Edmond on Sunday March 6, 2016 from 1pm to 8pm with the family greeting friends at the funeral home from 6pm to 8pm.
Alex was born on May 22, 1997 in Edmond, OK to Timothy Andrew Russell and Kristi (Wade) Russell. She spent 12 years of her life in Edmond before her family relocated to Yukon to be closer to her grandparents Ray and Shirley Wade. She attended school in Yukon where she excelled at basketball due to her boundless energy and her tenacious spirit.
Realizing early in her life that she only had one speed, full blast, her family learned to keep Alex busy. At the age of 6 she began volunteering as an assistant chaplain, serving side by side with her grandfather who was the hospice chaplain for Preferred Hospice in OKC. This began a lifelong passion for serving others that would lead to her volunteering at a local equine therapy center, as well as employment at an early childhood education facility and Hillcrest Hospital.
Alex was a fun loving girl who easily made friends wherever she went. She fine-tuned her social skills in her early years by traveling around her neighborhood and making friends with her neighbors at garage sales. She used her charm and cuteness to persuade her new friends to lower their prices on the treasures she found. Her ability to make new friends didnt just extend to humans. Many times throughout her life she came across a stray animal who needed to become a member of her family.

Those who knew her well knew that Alex had a deep love for the Lord. She dedicated her life to Christ at a young age and was baptized by her Papa, Ray Wade. She spent many years attending Spring Creek Assembly in Edmond and made many wonderful friends and memories there. As she grew older, Alex realized her need for the Lord and during her struggles she often turned to her Bible for hope and wisdom. She also found strength in sharing the encouragement and Gods love with her friends that were facing similar struggles in life.

Alex was a loving and caring girl who didnt see herself as a leader, yet quietly did her best to make positive choices in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. There were few things that made her happier than being around her family. She always made an effort to make her family proud and never missed an opportunity to let them know how much she loved them; Not just with words, but with actions. She went out of her way to serve her family and do the little things that showed how much she cared.
Alex had a unique relationship with her mother who served not just as her parent, but truly as her best friend. She enjoyed the rivalry and competitiveness that came along with the mutual love of basketball that she had with her brother, Christopher. She had a profound respect for her sister Keirsten and always looked up to her and looked to her for support. Alex also appreciated the benefit of having a super protective older brother, Ryan, who always had her back. She also had a profound respect for her Papa and Grandmother and the unconditional love and acceptance they offered her so often.

Alex Russell was a kind hearted and amazing young lady who packed more love and memories into her 18 years of life than most people could pack into 100 years. She had a smile that could light up a room and a spirit that could brighten even the darkest of days. We will continue to be inspired by the strength and courage she showed in the face of adversity. She left an unmistakable mark on the lives of those she touched and her legacy of compassion and selflessness will live on through the lives of those she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her father Andrew Russell and her grandfather Tom Russell. She is survived by her mother Kristi Wade of Edmond; Grandparents: Ray and Shirley Wade of Yukon and Thomas and Rose Russell of Richardson, TX; Three siblings: Keirsten Nelson and husband Andy of Edmond, Ryan Russell and wife Laura of Carrollton, TX, and Christopher Russell of Yukon. She is also survived by Aunts and Uncles: Stephanie Morgan and husband Jeremy of Rowlett, TX, John Russell of Dallas, TX, Ramona and husband Mark Weiss of Lucas, TX and Mark Russell and wife Marian of Richardson, TX; as well as a niece Isabella Nelson and a cousin Julia Morgan.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to Teen Challenge in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington. Stillwater, OK 74075

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