Mrs. Carolyn R. Russell, age 78 of Bolivar, MO, passed away Friday, November 17, 2017, at Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility Bolivar, MO. She was born October 15, 1939, in Fair Play, MO, to Perry E. and Martha K. (Copeland) Griffin. She was united in marriage to John E. Russell July 27, 1961, and to this union two children were born. She was a church secretary for Bethel Assembly of God at Garden City, MO. She was a member of the Word of Life Church Greenfield, MO. She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Bernard and Gerald “Dean” Griffin; and one sister Martha Shay. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Dr. John Russell of the home; two children: John Russell, Jr. and his wife Beth of Kansas City, MO, and Mary Anderson and her husband Carl of Blue Springs, MO; four grandchildren: Jennifer Reents and husband Bryan, Tori McCarty and husband Grant, Joshua Russell, and Josiah Russell; a sister in-law Gerry Griffin of Independence, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Pitts Chapel, with Pastor George Geesey officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich, MO. Visitation will be held one hour before the service from 12:00 to 1:00 PM in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Day Orphanage: P.O. Box 1452 Granbury, TX 76048 Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.