Eleanor Ruth (Pochodylo) Russell

Eleanor Ruth (Pochodylo) Russell, 95, of Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 12, 2024. Eleanor was born on April 9, 1929, in the house her father built for the family. She was the fourth of six children born to Andrew and Katherine (Warycka) Pochodylo. If you knew Eleanor, you knew she was proud to be born and raised in Port Huron, MI, surrounded by family. She loved being outdoors and had a deep appreciation for each season. This was especially evident during her annual trips to the Upper Peninsula with her daughter, Karen, to visit Doug and Kathryn.  These visits included rounds of miniature golf (her final hole-in-one occurred in her 88th year), and nightly games of euchre. 

Eleanor was passionate about serving her community and followed that passion most of her life. She was an elementary teacher for Monroe Public Schools for 25 years, utilizing the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education she earned from Eastern Michigan University. Her love for her community extended beyond education. Eleanor stayed active by volunteering for over 25 years with Mobile Meals where she served as the director and driver. She also volunteered with the Salvation Army, Monroe Council of Churches, and Church Women United; and had just celebrated her 50th year as a charter member of Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, where she once served as chapter president.  

Eleanor received numerous awards including a Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, the Women of Distinction Award from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, the Wilfred E. Simpson “Church Person of the Year” Award by the Monroe Council of Churches, and the Michigan Week “Minute Man” Award.  

As a long-standing member of Christ Lutheran Church, Eleanor served in numerous roles including church council Vice President, Sunday School teacher, and VBS Director.  For many years she was in charge of funeral luncheons, Easter and pancake breakfasts and Lenten suppers. In recognition of her dedication and service, the church honored her in 2014 by naming the fellowship hall after her.  

She led a full life both in and out of the home while raising 5 children. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She made sure to attend every event possible. Eleanor hosted family chicken dinners every Sunday for over 40 years.  While dining out on special occasions, she would enjoy a dinner of frog legs.  Sunday nights were set aside for letter writing. For over 50 years, Eleanor wrote weekly letters to her mom, then sister, then niece, in Port Huron so that they would know what was happening with her family. In kind, her sister wrote weekly so that Eleanor would know what was happening with family in Port Huron. When her children were away at school, then for Kevin and Doug, letters written in her excellent “schoolteacher” penmanship, arrived weekly for as long as she was able. Eleanor enjoyed sharing her passion for Detroit sports with her grandchildren.  She rarely missed a televised game. 

She took great pride in tending her yard and flowers, mowing the lawn into her 80s.  In the winter she enjoyed 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and word searches. 

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Helen Pochodylo, Stella Wiegand, Andy Pochodylo Jr., Max Pochodylo; sisters-in-law, Doris Pochodylo and Maureen Pochodylo; brother-in-law, Bud Wiegand; grandson, Justin Robinson; and niece, Mary Anne Wiegand. 

Family members who live on to celebrate her memory include her children, Cindy (LeVern) Robinson, Craig (Robin) Russell, Kevin (Lisa) Russell of Wilmette, IL, Karen Russell, and Doug (Kathryn) Russell of Marquette. Her legacy will live on through her grandchildren, Brandon Robinson, Breana (Nick) Robinson-Travers, Trevor Robinson, Derek (Erica) Robinson, Nathan (Trisha Majewski) Russell, Nick (Diona) Russell, Josh Nocella, Lauren (Brendan) O’Brien, Kim Russell, Alex Russell (wife, Megan McEvoy); and great-grandchildren, Alexis, Emma, Luke, Liam, Declan, Dylan, Julian, and one on the way; her sister, Margie, along with many nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Rd., Monroe, MI. To celebrate Eleanor’s life-long dedication to Detroit and University of Michigan sports, friends and family are encouraged to wear U of M, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, or Detroit Red Wings apparel to the visitation.  

Funeral service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 225 E. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI. Saturday, July 20th @ 11:00 a.m., where visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.  

Memorial donations in Eleanor’s name may be made to Christ Lutheran Church.