Katie Russell

Visitation: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus.

Funeral Services: Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Broadus.

Interment: View Cemetery.:

Katie Ellen Russell, age 27, of Broadus passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2008 while working at the ranch with her nephews.


Katie was born in Miles City, Montana on May 9, 1980, the daughter of Charlie and Shirley (Engel) Russell. She grew up on the family ranch on Doyle Creek, homesteaded by Louis and Frankie (Castleberry) Russell. She attended school in Broadus and graduated from Powder River County High School. She attended Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota and Montana State University-Billings, graduating from MSU-B with certification to teach Special Ed K-12 & Elementary Education, student teaching in Broadus & Miles City.

Katie taught for one year in Caldwell, Idaho, moved back to Broadus and ran a daycare for 6 months, then moved to Billings to teach in the Billings School System at Bitterroot School. She was presently teaching kindergarten at St.Labre Indian School.

As a young child Katie enjoyed piano lessons, ballet, Brownie Scouts, 4-H and spending time with her animals. In junior high and high school she loved Art, Yearbook, Rodeo, Speech, being with her friends, especially enjoying being the High School Mascot and winning the State Duck Stamp Art Contest withNerm Stevens. Katie was also very proud of having been crowned the 2003 MSMR (Bucking Horse Sale) Queen.

Katie had an impact on every child with whom she came in contact and loved each and everyone as an individual. Katie especially loved her nephews and niece, whenever she had a spare minute, you could always find her with them. She went out of her way to make them feel special and to always include them, even in the discipline and life lesson department. Katie was a free spirit and tried to instill the same in the kids to believe in themselves and always love each other.

Katie spent the last year since moving back to Broadus, doing what she loved, ranching and being with her family. Anyone who had ever met her knew that they could count on her for anything they might need.

Katie is survived by her parents: Charlie and Shirley Russell; sisters: Julie (Shane)LaPlant and JeriLyn (Jim) Logan; nephews: Austin and Drew Arithson, Jackson Logan, Shaw and Clay LaPlant; niece, Heather LaPlant; her dog Nova Marie; maternal grandfather, Ken Engel and friend Gramma Mona; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; her special brothers, JasonArithson and Buck Ward and the St.Labre Kindergarten Class.

She was preceded in death by: Paternal grandparents Louis and Frankie Russell; maternal grandmother Iona Engel. Katie treasured the birthday that she shared with Aunt Dianne.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.