Russell, formerly D. Blair Thompson, was the oldest of six children and grew up in Bartlesville. A graduate of Bartlesville High School, she studied ballet and piano, and participated in numerous local productions and recitals. She was an elementary school Spelling Bee champion, National Merit Scholar and made the college Dean’s Honor List. While still in high school she worked on the school board committee thaRussell, formerly D. Blair Thompson, was the oldest of six children and grew up in Bartlesville. A graduate of Bartlesville High School, she studied ballet and piano, and participated in numerous local productions and recitals. She was an elementary school Spelling Bee champion, National Merit Scholar and made the college Dean’s Honor List. While still in high school she worked on the school board committee that helped pass a $30 million bond issue to improve the Bartlesville school district.
Russell also served as a youth newspaper carrier for the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise.
Following high school graduation, she attended Brigham Young University where she continued her education, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She also spearheaded or participated in numerous church projects, including “Project Read,” a citywide adult literacy program, serving as a tutor and later as assistant director.
She married Travis Charles Russell in 2005. The couple established their home in Germantown, Md., where she worked for the United Way of Washington, D.C. and the Rockville, Md. school system. She also served as the music director in the children’s ministry at church.
A memorial in remembrance of Russell has been established with the Pro Literacy Worldwide, 1320 Jamesville Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210.
I've known her family forever. I still see them regularly. I look at her little sister, Zoe, & can't help but feel a little bad for her that she won't get the chance to get to know her big sister as she grows up. Every year on her birthday, I remember. Every year in July, on the anniversary of her accident, I remember. Everytime I see her mother's face, I remember. Everytime I remember going to church activities as a youth, she was there. She will always be there. Blair was one of those people that really seemed to have life figured out. She was always such a sweet and amazing person. I know I was never really one of her closest friends, but I'd like to think she at least counted me as one of her many friends. Her absence still leaves a hole missing from my heart. She was too young to be taken. She still had so much life left in her.
Emily Glass (Diamond)
I miss her dearly. She passed away July 17, 2006.
Pulled from www.Examiner-Enterprise.com Archives:
Russell, formerly D. Blair Thompson, was the oldest of six children and grew up in Bartlesville. A graduate of Bartlesville High School, she studied ballet and piano, and participated in numerous local productions and recitals. She was an elementary school Spelling Bee champion, National Merit Scholar and made the college Dean’s Honor List. While still in high school she worked on the school board committee thaRussell, formerly D. Blair Thompson, was the oldest of six children and grew up in Bartlesville. A graduate of Bartlesville High School, she studied ballet and piano, and participated in numerous local productions and recitals. She was an elementary school Spelling Bee champion, National Merit Scholar and made the college Dean’s Honor List. While still in high school she worked on the school board committee that helped pass a $30 million bond issue to improve the Bartlesville school district.
Russell also served as a youth newspaper carrier for the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise.
Following high school graduation, she attended Brigham Young University where she continued her education, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She also spearheaded or participated in numerous church projects, including “Project Read,” a citywide adult literacy program, serving as a tutor and later as assistant director.
She married Travis Charles Russell in 2005. The couple established their home in Germantown, Md., where she worked for the United Way of Washington, D.C. and the Rockville, Md. school system. She also served as the music director in the children’s ministry at church.
A memorial in remembrance of Russell has been established with the Pro Literacy Worldwide, 1320 Jamesville Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210.
Kauwela Sutton (Friesen)
I've known her family forever. I still see them regularly. I look at her little sister, Zoe, & can't help but feel a little bad for her that she won't get the chance to get to know her big sister as she grows up. Every year on her birthday, I remember. Every year in July, on the anniversary of her accident, I remember. Everytime I see her mother's face, I remember. Everytime I remember going to church activities as a youth, she was there. She will always be there. Blair was one of those people that really seemed to have life figured out. She was always such a sweet and amazing person. I know I was never really one of her closest friends, but I'd like to think she at least counted me as one of her many friends. Her absence still leaves a hole missing from my heart. She was too young to be taken. She still had so much life left in her.