Joann Russell, 79 of Mt. Vernon, died Friday morning December 27, 2013 at Mt. Vernon Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born on September 1, 1934 in Posey County, the daughter of Manuel and Irene Benner. She married Marion “Pete” Russell on June 21, 1958 and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2012. 

Mrs. Russell had worked as a seamstress at Exlon for 25 years. 

She is survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra and Fred Delaschmit of Mt. Vernon, and Jeraldine and William Winebarger of New Harmony; several nieces and nephews, including Ralph and Jo Young of New Harmony. She was preceded in death by one sister, Martha Sue Lester. 

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery.