Barbara Suter Russell's Obituary
We are deeply saddened to share that Barbara Suter Russell passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025 after three weeks of battling an infection from hernia surgery. She is now at peace with the Lord.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was born in Baltimore, MD on May 27, 1944. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Charles Allan Russell; and her children, Charles Allan Russell, Jr. (Ivonne Russell), and Kimberly Kimball (Steve Kimball); along with her sister, Johanne Hutson (Tom Hutson); and grandchildren, Charles Allan Russell III, Bridget Kimball, Brady Kimball, Tristan Russell, and Julia Russell.
Barbara graduated from high school in Moorestown, NJ and earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, PA. Barbara and Charlie met on a blind date to the Lifeguard's Ball in Ocean City, MD in 1964 and they married on June 24, 1967. She supported him over his 20-year career as a U.S. Air Force officer through over 19 moves around the country, living in California, Virginia, Georgia, and Texas, before finally settling down in Fredericksburg, VA where they could be geographically in between their two children and families.
Her career was in interior design. She always found a way to introduce color, design, and whimsy in her home and wherever she went. She once designed a dressing room for Joey Bishop of “Rat Pack” fame.
Barbara and Charlie met lots of good friends in Fredericksburg and she enjoyed bridge, bunco, and other fun neighborhood events.
She loved to travel and joined her husband on many trips throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S. She especially loved England, and all things royal. She enjoyed her winters in warm Naples, FL as well as visiting her sister in Ft. Myers and Ocean City.
She greatly enjoyed being a grandmother and spent birthdays and holidays celebrating her grandchildren with boas, costumes, hats, parades, the “Y-E-S cheer”, and so many other special events.
We will celebrate Barbara’s life with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Christ Episcopal Church, 8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania. A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christ Episcopal Church, 8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?