Lynn Charlotte Russell

Lynn Charlotte Russell died peacefully at her home in Sea Pines Plantation on November 30, 2019, after a lingering illness.

Lynn was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 13, 1935, the daughter and only child of Elmer and Helen Johnson. She grew up in the Chicago area, graduating from Calumet High School in 1952. As a young girl, she was involved with amateur dog showing and was the focus of a character in the book, At Least Once, written by her father, Elmer, and illustrated by her mother, Helen.

From 1952 to 1954 Lynn attended the University of Illinois where she met her future husband, Ronald Carlson.  Together they would raise their 4 children in Glasgow, KY.  In 1975, she married Wayne (Doc) Ruggles and relocated to Hilton Head Island, SC.  Lynn’s family grew to include four stepdaughters.  They were married until Mr. Ruggles untimely passing in 1981. In 1985, Lynn married George Russell and her family increased again to include an additional 2 stepdaughters.

Lynn was an accomplished artist, who had a love for animals, gardening, playing piano, and entertaining.  Her Heritage Golf Tournament and New Year’s Day parties were renowned and highly anticipated by both friends and family. Her delicious and homemade menus included her annual Christmas Smorgasbord influenced by her Swedish heritage.

Lynn will be forever remembered by her loving husband of 34 years, George; Sons, David Carlson (Tara) of Arlington, VA and Paul Carlson (Dawn) of Marietta, GA; Daughters, Janet Balmaceda of Bluffton, SC and Susan Carlson of Hilton Head, SC; three grandchildren, Steven Carlson (Nicole), Connor Carlson, and Matthew Balmaceda; Niece, Nancy (Justin) Gibbs of Fort Huachuca, Arizona, stepchildren, Leslie Russell Gipson (Grady) of Schererville, Indiana, Lauren Russell Goldstein of Dyer, Indiana, Linda Ruggles Milby and Debbie Ruggles of Campbellsville, KY, and Kathy Marsh (Donald) of Hopkinsville, KY, as well as numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her much-loved Pekingese, Molly. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents and stepdaughter Sharon Ruggles Simpson (Philip). The family would like to especially acknowledge the special care provided in her final years by her beloved caregiver, Ramona Douglass.

Friends are invited to join the family on Friday, December 27th from 1-3pm at Lynn’s home for a celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to Hilton Head Humane Association at http://www.hhhumane.org/ (P.O. Box 21790, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29925), Laura’s Little Critter Barn Animal Rescue https://www.facebook.com/lauraslittlecritterbarn/ (113 Foreman Hill Road, Bluffton, SC, 29910), or your local animal rescue/shelter. 

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