Katherine H. (Stuenkel) Russell

Katherine Helena Stuenkel Russell, age 42, died in her home on August 9, 2016 after a short but mighty battle with cancer. The middle of three daughters, she was born on September 18, 1973 in Madison, SD to Roger Stuenkel and Ruth Ann Skodacek. She graduated from Canyon Del Oro High School in Tucson, AZ, then continued on to earn her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and her Masters in Education from Portland State University.

Katherine was a passionate math teacher at Aloha High School for over 16 years. In her classroom, she focused on fostering her students’ confidence as well as teaching them math. Katherine’s gift was in seeing their great potential and connecting with her students. She believed in the spirit of the students and faculty at Aloha and expressed gratitude for her role within that special community.

Katherine met her love, Jay Russell, in 2003 and married him on June 24, 2007. Their first child, Nelle Olivia, was born in April 2009 and their youngest, Haley Joy, was born in January 2012. Katherine lived an examined life and brought that intention into her role as a parent. She worked tirelessly to meet the needs of her girls and fully enjoyed being their mother.

Katherine brought grace and compassion to all who met her. This grace was recognized by her medical team of oncologists, surgeons and hospice providers as being extraordinary. She is survived by her husband, Jay Russell, daughters Nelle Olivia and Haley Joy; parents Roger Stuenkel and Ruth Ann Skodacek; sisters  Amy Stuenkel and Mary (Garret) Goetzinger;  parents-in-law Gene and Shirley Russell; sister-in-law  Addie (Joe) Rocchio; nephew Ryland Rocchio, and nieces Violet Rocchio and Ada Goetzinger.

A public memorial service will be held 3PM on August 25, 2016  at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (147 NW 19th Avenue.  Portland, OR).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund for Nelle and Haley (College Fund for Nelle and Haley Russell) at any On-Point Community Credit Union or online at Click here https://www.youcaring.com/nelle-and-haley-russell-625007 to support Nelle and Haley Memorial College Fund