Ms. Russell was born Karen S. Crooks on Oct. 11, 1955, the daughter of Curtis and Gladys (Hickey) Crooks, in Alva, Okla. She was a sales associate for Best Kept Secret, Salina.

Survivors include her significant other, David Gurney; a son, Darren Richter and wife Erin; two daughters, Megan Whitney Russell and Jessica Gardner; a brother, Roger Crooks; a sister, Sharon Barnett and husband Steve; two grandchildren, Sara and Samantha Gardner; and two nieces, Kiley and Katie Barnett.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401, with the Rev. Phyllis Flory officiating. Private family inurnment will be in the Brookville City Cemetery, Brookville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

There will be no visitation. The body was cremated.