Karen Royce Russell

Karen Royce Reed Russell, of Luverne, would like to let everyone know her work on earth was complete and peacefully ended her earthly journey on Friday, May 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of fierce love, outspoken honesty, and a strength that never flinched.  Born in Kodak, Kentucky, on March 28, 1947, she was a daughter to the late Roy & Kate Reed and sister to 8 siblings. Karen was married to Jerry "Duke" Russell for 12 years.  Together they shared two daughters that were blessed to call her mom, Kindra Scroggins and Trena Russell.  St. Mary's, Ohio, was her home for 62 years before making her move to Alabama to be closer to her family.   

Karen was a force-- outspoken and unfiltered.  She loved unwavering, lived honestly, and very much out loud.  Her loyalty ran deep, her opinions ran deeper, but her love was the deepest of all.  Her laugh filled the room, and she had opinions she wasn't shy about sharing as well as stories that could make you laugh or cry- sometimes both in the same sentence.  Karen found joy in life's simple pleasures: beach days with sand on her toes and the sun on her face, late-night talks about all the new celebrity gossip, and time spent with the people she held closest.  Among her many meaningful relationships, her connection with her granddaughter, Damara, stood out-- she helped raise her, and the bond they shared, built on love, was unbreakable.  She had a strong love for her family, Dale Earnhardt, and her cars, a Pontiac TransAm and a Firebird.  Karen will be missed by all those who knew her.  

Survivors include her two daughters, Kindra Scroggins and Trena Russell; three granddaughters, Tiffany Scroggins, Brittany Scroggins (Ryan), Damara Russell; four great grandchildren, Natalie, Jordan, Sophia, Ralston; her brother, Bob Reed (Helen); her sister, Anna Mae Lawman (Steve); and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Lowell Johnson, Fernando "Pearl" Reed; her sisters, Janice "Jan" Johnson, Billy Jean "Mick" Crutchfield, Carol Park, and Paula Bowersock-Nagel.  

In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held.  Her ashes will be scattered in the places she found most peaceful-- along the sunlit, sandy shores of Florida, where she felt most at ease, and throughout the familiar fields of Ohio, where her life was deeply rooted in family, friends and cherished memories.  

The staff of green Hils Funeral Home is honored to serve the Russell family.