Passed away peacefully at home January 16, 2015 in Carson City, Nevada. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Thornhill, son Gary Thornhill (Mary) and grandsons Joe (Kelly) and Spencer Thornhill. He is also survived by close family members Judy McConville (Frank), Candi Ruf, Tami Ruf (Brian), Kim Hubbard and their children Patrick Garrett (Terri) and Gwen Griswold (Michael), Marshall and Brandon Ruf, Taryn and Delanie Ruf, Ethan and Alannah Hubbard, James, Ryan and Megan Garrett and Amber and Erin Griswold. Russ was born March 10, 1921 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma and grew up in Carson City, Nevada and Prescott, Arizona. He briefly attended The University of Arizona on a tennis and golf scholarship. He served in the US Army during WWII, stationed in Le Havre five days after D-Day. He settled in Santa Clara, California in 1951 where he ran Western State Stone Company until he retired in 1996. Russ enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer before his health declined and could be found on many golf courses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He took great pleasure in the San Francisco Giants’ three recent World Series wins. A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 300 South Division Street, Carson City, Nevada. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Nevada Humane Society, Carson City. The family would like to thank Carson Tahoe Hospital, Gentiva Hospice and staff and Right at Home and staff for the wonderful care Russ received. Russ’s loving and generous heart will be missed.
