Obituary of Elijah David Russ

Elijah David Russ, 93, of Baldwinsville passed away peacefully on April 28th, 2014, at Syracuse Home surrounded by his loving family. Elijah, known as David throughout his life, was the son of Elijah and Sarah (Lotridge) Russ. Born on July 9, 1920, in Fonda, NY on a farm. His father was employed as a Division Manager for the Dairymen's League which meant moves to Albany, Canton, Buffalo, Rochester, NY and Scranton, PA. The family lived in Clark's Summit, PA and David attended Keystone college for 2 years. He then transferred to Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. Following college graduation, David entered the US Army in 1942, during WW II. Upon discharge in 1946, he went to work on the family farm at Mt. Upton, NY in Chenango County. David married the love of his life, (the girl next door)Arleen Odell, in 1949. David was active in farm organizations throughout his years in the dairy farm industry. He served as president of the Chenango County Farm Bureau. He was also president and an active member of the Mt. Upton Lions Club, and was made a lifetime member. David served as Justice of the Peace for the Town of Guilford for a few years. David and son Philip were in a partnership, known as the Russ Farm., for many years until his retirement. Upon retirement, he and Arleen traveled to Europe, Hawaii and Alaska. David was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. His wit, integrity and quiet sense of humor will live on in all those who knew him. After living 61 years on the Russ Farm, and raising two children, Philip (Helen) and Diane (Jay) Jillson, they moved to Baldwinsville, NY to be near their daughter and family who reside in Syracuse. Six grandchildren, Barret (Kayte) Russ, Sarah (Wray) Russ Warner, Lynsie Russ, Jennifer (Bernard) Jillson Reilly, Scott (Melissa) Jillson, Lauren Jillson; step-grandchildren, Michael (Heather) Bachman, Nathan (Dawn) Derr, and Lucas Derr; nine great-grandchildren; several great-nieces and nephews. David and Arleen were 50+ year members of the Mt. Upton Methodist Church and were members of the First United Methodist Church at Baldwinsville. Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church,17 W. Genesee Street, Baldwinsville,, NY 13027 or Mt. Upton Methodist Church, Mt. Upton, NY 13809. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church at 2:00pm Satrurday, May, 3rd, 2014. Internment will be at the Godfrey Cemetery in Guilford, NY at a later date.