Barbara J. Russell, 59, of Kearney, NE died Sunday, February 17, 2013 at her home.

Private services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Arbor Day Foundation or to Pug Rescue of Colorado. A message of condolence, tribute or memory can be left at www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

She was born September 2, 1953 in Mesa, AZ to Edgar and Marian (Sloss) Wiggins. She grew up and attended school in Mesa, AZ and graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, AZ.

On July 4, 1986 she married Ronald E. Russell.

Barbara moved to Denver in 1977 where she lived and raised her family. She moved to Kearney 9 months ago to be closer to her family. She loved spending time with her family and especially all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, reading and spoiling her pugs.

She is survived by her children; Melissa and husband Jeff Schwab of Kearney, Victoria Shipman of Louisville, KY, Barrett and wife Rea Shipman of Laramie, WY, Cara and husband Shawn Evans of Tucson, AZ & James Russell of Kearney. She is also survived by her sisters; Kathryn and husband E.J. Golightly of Louisville, KY, Christine and husband Dennis Knaggs of Hoschton, GA, Anne D. and husband Luther Gene Jr. Spraggins of Robertsdale, AL & Geraldine Branham of Louisville, KY. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Nicole and husband DanielWoods of Kearney, Aaron Schwab & Courtney Schwab of Kearney, Camden Shipman & Kylin Shipman of Laramie, WY and Uriah Evans & Sophia Evans of Tucson, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband in 2010