Denise Russell

Denise (DC) Cope Russell1955 - 2017

Denise (DC) passed away of complications from heart surgery at USC-Keck Hospital on August 2, 2017. She battled cancer for the last six years, never giving up the fight! She was born in Bakersfield in 1955, living there most of her life. She graduated from Foothill High School in 1973 and attended Bakersfield College. She married the love of her life, Jimmy Russell, on October 29, 1977. They enjoyed a 39 year marriage, made with love, understanding, and affection for each other. They felt so blessed to become adoptive parents in 1988. They received their bundle of joys, Christopher at 18 months old and Jonathan at 6 months old. These boys were her world! Denise worked at Beverly Manor Convalescent Hospital for 24 years, as a medical record supervisor. She later went to work for Randy's Towing and Barnett's Towing, which she called "fun jobs." She enjoyed attending church at Valley Bible Fellowship (VBF), lunches with girlfriends, reading, cooking, country music, dancing and needlepoint. She also enjoyed crocheting blankets and beanies for friends and the homeless shelters. She loved to shop, Amazon and UPS will miss her daily shopping sprees! She loved to go camping in her new trailer with Jimmy and their dog, Ozzy! Denise had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, the biggest heart, and the reddest hair. Her hair, makeup, nails, and the way she dressed was always perfect, even on the days she wasn't feeling well. She never met a stranger, she would talk to anyone that would listen. Starbucks and Smiths bakery knew her well. She would stop by there every morning before her treatments at CBCC. Once she got to CBCC, she would have her blood drawn and then indulge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean Cope (Janet), Betty Barnett (Ralph), sister, Janet Beaver, and sister-in-law, Kathy Hayes. Denise is survived by her supportive and loving husband, Jimmy Russell, her sons, Christopher (Niki), and Jonathan, father-in-law, George Russell, mother-in-law, Doris Goff, as well as many other family members. The family wants to thank and express special recognition to the following: CBCC- Alan Cartmell M.D., Alan Thomas PA-C, Kareama Patterson R.N., and the entire staff; Dr. Harold Baer, along with Dr. Vaughn Starnes and staff at USC-Keck Hospital, special friends, Nancy Barnett Richter, Dennis and Jill Mcbride. Denise was an inspiration with her positive and bright outlook, not just for herself, but for all who were having their own battles.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2017 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Valley Bible Fellowship (2300 East Brundage Lane).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in memory of Denise Russell.