Nancy Elaine Russell

Nancy Elaine Russell passed away on April 3, 2025, surrounded by her family after a brief illness.

She was born July 28, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa to Melvin and Ruth Dykstra who preceded her in death. The first of five children, Nancy graduated from Northeast Missouri State University (now known as Truman State University), becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college. She began teaching at South Tama County Community School District in Toledo, Iowa, in 1969. She later earned a Masters Degree in reading from the University of Northern Iowa.

She met her husband, Neil Russell, while teaching at South Tama, and they were married on June 19, 1971. They were married until she passed away, months shy of 55 years of marriage.

Nancy taught reading, language arts, and led the talented and gifted program at South Tama County Middle School. During her time at South Tama she helped countless junior high students foster a love of reading. As a talented and gifted teacher she helped lead student driven projects and learning that led to student built model railroads, dollhouses, motorized vehicles, robots, and countless structures utilizing various construction techniques. Her reading, writing, grammar, and attention to detail were remarkable, and became frustrating for her sons, Ian and Peter, who sometimes just wanted to get homework done quickly.

She retired from South Tama Schools in 2005. She and Neil moved to Davenport, Iowa, to be closer to family in 2006. She was retired for one year before returning to the classroom as an adjunct professor for Scott Community College, a position she held for 7 years.

Nancy was a woman of many hobbies and interests. She read countless mystery books, made hundreds of quilts, many of which were donated to those in need. She constructed multiple dollhouses throughout her life, and completed a comprehensive genealogical study that included research in Scotland and multiple introductions to long lost relatives. She and Neil traveled the world in retirement, thanks to Cunard Lines.

She was a strong woman in every sense of the word. She stood up for students who needed extra help, including volunteering to teach a seventh grade student who spoke no English, learning Spanish herself. She is rumored to have broken up a fight between seventh grade boys while 8 months pregnant, bounding up a flight of stairs to do so.

Her memory will be treasured by many, including her husband of 54 and three quarters years, Neil, her sons Ian (Sara) of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Peter (Jessica) of Cape Town, South Africa, four grandchildren, Gavin, Aiden, Jo, and Alistair, and her brother Randy (Lisa), along with many nieces and nephews.

No services will be held at Nancy’s explicit direction. Her sons worked hard not to cross her when she was alive (failing occasionally), and they do not wish to do so regarding one of her last wishes. As such, the directive will be followed.

In lieu of flowers, gifts to your local library or food pantry would be appreciated.