Martha Russell

Marty Russell, Our beloved mother, grandmother, baby sister, aunt, cousin, and friend went to be with the Lord on April 5, 2025 in Fairbanks.

Martha D. Russell, ‘Marty’, was born on August 3, 1965, to parents Dorothy (James) John and Abraham John Sr. of Arctic Village. Marty was adopted and raised by her mom Nena Russell along with her sister Mabeleen. She grew up in Arctic Village with her siblings Jonathon, Cora, Louie, Yolana, Marion, Marie, Abraham, Joyce, James, John and Jerrilyn. 

Marty was proud to be Gwich’in and held a lot of cultural knowledge with Gwich’in language and taking care of caribou meat. She was always willing to help Elders and people in need.

Marty raised her children Davida and Jacob in Arctic Village and loved her other son Brian along with his mom Yolana. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. 

Marty leaves behind on this earthly world daughter Davida (Marc), and son Jacob, grandchildren Marc Jr, Elijah, Natasha, Camille, Aunty Sarah James and Uncle Gideon James, siblings Mabeleen (Joe), Yolana, Marion (Charlie), Marie (Harvey), Abraham, Louie, James, Jonathon, Joyce, Jerrilyn (Efrain), and many nieces and nephews she loved dearly. 

Marty had too many cousins and friends to list but she loved you all. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Nena Russell, Dorothy and Abraham John Sr, son Brian John, grandparents Martha and Ezias James, siblings Cora (Jim), John, Josie, and Irene, nieces and nephews Andrew, Christina, Samanthia, Derrick, Rodney Jr, and Baby Leena.

Thursday April 10th

Fairbanks service at Fairbanks Blanchard Funeral Home on 611 Noble St: visitation at 11am and service at Noon.

Friday April 11th

Arctic Village Final Funeral & Burial.

Bishop Rowe Episcopal Church

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