Mary Ann (Hite) Russell passed away at Swedish Hospital on December 4, 2009, at the age of 80. She was born November 5, 1929, in Waterville, WA, to Edward Hite and Irene Jensen. They moved to the Tonasket/Ellisforde area in 1930, where she lived her entire life. Mary Ann was an inspirational mother, loving grandmother and a special woman who was loved by all who knew her. She spent many hours with her grandchildren, making memories they'll cherish forever. A very generous woman with a kind, gentle spirit, who always put her family first; she will be deeply missed. Elected Tonasket's Rodeo Queen in 1947, Mary Ann later worked at the First National Bank in Tonasket and at Haskell and Burns. She became the City Clerk/Treasurer for the Town of Tonasket and enjoyed her job immensely. She retired in 1994, after 21 years as City Clerk, but she felt a life-long connection and interest in the Town of Tonasket.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Buck S. Russell. She is survived by her son, Stephen Long, wife, Clare and granddaughters, Evan and Natalie; and daughter, Dianne Snare, husband, Ron and grandchildren, Kirsten and Erik.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Ellisforde Church of the Brethren. Remembrances may be made to North Valley Hospital Foundation or to Swedish Medical Center Foundation. Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket is in care of arrangements.