Cynthia Anne “Cindy” Russell (nee Bailey), 79, passed away peacefully with her sons by her side, on April 29, 2022 at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Florida, after a brief illness.
Cindy was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 1, 1943, to Loretta and Paul Bailey. She grew up in University View, in Columbus, Ohio, where she formed lifelong friendships with several girls. Years later and grown-up, some of these same girls would form the renowned “Card Club”. The Card Club Ya Ya’s met for decades to play cards, and share laughter, love, and silly fun.
Cindy married Jerry Russell in 1963, and they had two sons, Terry and Dirk. As a busy homemaker, Cindy still found time for a rewarding career, which she dearly loved. In 1984, she was hired at Wendy’s International and eventually became the Front Desk Receptionist at their Corporate Headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. Cindy had a passion for ceramics-making and took several classes, eventually opening a small shop in her basement in Delaware, Ohio where she began teaching and running workshops. She made several beautiful items, painted by hand and cherished by her family. She also loved to cook and was famous for the Travel Sandwich and Jell-O Cake.
In 1993, Cindy divorced and moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, because “I don’t want to drive in the snow anymore”. Eventually, Cindy retired from Wendy’s and worked briefly as a receptionist/administrative assistant for a local customer service company.
Cindy was a vivacious person and dearly loved by family and friends. She had a zest for life, an infectious laugh, and gave unfailing loyalty to family and friends, Cindy will be sorely missed.
Cindy is survived by her son, Terry (Dianne) Russell, her son Dirk (Tatum) Russell, granddaughters Morgan, Lakelyn, and Annalise. She is preceded in death by her parents, Loretta and Paul, and her brother, James “Jamie” Bailey.
Darlene Teague
May 3, 2022, 12:15 am
Oh Cindy, my beautiful precious friend! Our friendship started when I joined “Card Club” and it was at your house “at the farm”. The good times we had during our trips to Marco and later to Tarpon Springs whet we stayed in Terry’s beautiful home. I will never forget you and I will miss you tremendously. I love you my friend. Darlene(Princess of Many Name Changes)
Sidney Lee
May 3, 2022, 4:41 pm
It’s been some 55/60 years since I’ve seen my dear friend, and from her lovely obit pic, little has changed: The sparkling eyes, the beautiful smile, the cute dimples, just as I remember her. If one could hear a picture, one would receive the utmost, endearing laugh. I am smiling now thinking of that laugh.
She was a most memorable, a most special earthly soul.
Our loss is heaven’s gain. From this world of love and turmoil, to a world of perpetual, unconditional love, the heavens are rejoicing in Cindy’s return. That’s what Angel’s do when one of their own returns.
Love you, miss you, will always remember you.
Retta Russell
May 4, 2022, 3:42 pm
Cindy, you sure made your mark on this world. Seeing your beautiful smile makes me remember all the wonderful times we have had together. There were so many trip with the Ya-Ya’s and so many laughs. Yes…there were a few tears along the way, but that only caused us to bond even more. You were so proud of your boys and the detail you went to was amazing – to let them know how much you loved them. No one has the earring collection you have and seeing your picture with the “Christmas preset” earrings made me laugh out loud. You are “one in a million” and no one could ever replace you. Enjoy being with your parents and Jamie. Will love you always!
Princess Buckeye
Charlotte Cooper Gibbons
May 5, 2022, 1:16 pm
Cindy, there just are no words. To have had you in my life for 70+ years has been such a blessing. We shared much, and you taught us how to think outside the box in doing so many things. Peanut butter comes to mind. I can’t imagine how going forward without hearing your one-of-a-kind laugh will be. You were beautiful inside and out, loving to show off the wonderful collection of earrings. I’ll never forget helping you set up your new home in Clearwater — the view was the tops and we had such a good time! My memories will go on and on, as will my love for you. Thank you for being in my life and those of our wonderful sisterhood of YaYa’s. Terry and Dirk will always be part of this family. Always in my heart and memories.
Princess Floats Her Boat
Rebecca S Price
March 21, 2023, 10:16 pm
Becky Snouffer (Cellar – UAFD, Russ) Price:
Saw Charlotte and Pat recently and was told of your passing. Yes, your laugh and smile, one in a million! Always fun at ‘UAFD family’ gatherings, I share fun memories with others for as long as I was involved with the group. Light Heaven with your sweet, fun self.
Mary Melcer
February 6, 2025, 5:25 am
I am just now learning that Cindy died in a couple of years ago. Cindy worked for us for several years, basically running my office with an iron fist. She made other organized people look disorganized. She was ultra professional and loved a good laugh. She had earrings for every occasion. Cindy treated everyone the same, whether an executive or a cleaning person. She shared stories with me about her princesses her Yaya‘s Cindy was the heartbeat of our company and having her with us made everything better. You are missed, Princess Palm Tree Flip-Flop.