Margie Russo Keller

Margie Russo Keller, 93 passed away peacefully at her home in Independence with loved ones by her side. Born into the Great Depression as the fourth of five children and middle daughter of first-generation Italian Americans, Margie was a life-long catholic and area resident who loved people, music and laughter!

A popular, multi-sport athlete of Manual High School Class of 1951, Margie was an inaugural recipient of the Babe Ruth Award for Good Sportsmanship. Though following the expected path for a woman of her time, young Margie had dreams of joining the armed services and remained a life-long supporter of veterans.

A loving and supportive mother to three ever-grateful children, in 1977 she courageously left an abusive husband to forge a much better life for herself and her young daughter. Son Pat and daughter-in-law Alice blessed her with two grandsons whom she adored. Margie never missed an opportunity to spend time with them and they will forever miss their Nana.

Margie built a decades-long career in the printing ink industry where her customer service skills were legend. An active retirement followed during which she basked in the love of family, friends and neighbors, spending 20 happy years as part of The Fountains community in Independence, Missouri.

Having outlived everyone in her generation, Margie rightfully rose to true matriarchal status enriching us always with her kind, listening ear, encouraging words and cascading laughter.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Anna (DiMeo) Russo, siblings John Russo, Gerald Russo, Rose Marie Jungck Leslie and Virginia Stone. She is survived by her children, Pat (Alice), Greg (Lauren), and Kay Simpson (Ed); grandsons James (Karissa) and Bart (Karly); great-granddaughters Eloise, Moira and Hazel; generations of closely held and truly beloved nieces and nephews; and a great-grandson expected in September.