Elma Faye Russell

Elma Faye Russell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away in Nampa on April 24th, 2026.

Faye was born on August 5, 1941, to Robert and Alma Pethtel, and grew up in the farming area of Highline. She was later joined by a younger brother George, completing their close-knit family.

She was an active 4-H member throughout her youth and Faye embraced all aspects of the program developing skills in sewing, cooking, animal husbandry and childcare. Her dedication to learning was evident from an early age and she went on to serve as the salutatorian of Kuna High School’s class of 1959.

It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life, Ronnie Russell. The two were married in February of 1960 and together they built a family focused life that was full of busy days and good memories. Ron and Faye celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2025.

Faye was a busy mother and busy professional with careers at St Luke’s, The Credit Bureau, Pioneer Irrigation District and concluded her working years at Boise Kuna Irrigation District, from which she retired in 2006.

Ron and Faye made their home in Nampa, where they raised their three children: Ronel, Cory & Kyle. True Nampa Boosters through and through, they were devoted supporters of their children and grandchildren, showing up to every event ranging from football, baseball, volleyball and soccer, to dance recitals and musical performances.

Together Ron and Faye shared a love of outdoors spending time fishing and camping. Faye was a member of the Nampa Lady Elks and was a passionate bowler of 60+ years. A pastime she shared with her mother, remarkably creating a chapter in which three generations bowled side by side. She eventually traded her bowling ball for golf clubs and joined the Centennial Ladies Golf Association. She and her favorite partner, Kay Johnson made a formidable team in tournaments and one of Faye’s favorite moments was the day she made a hole in one!

Faye is survived by her daughter Ronel (Ray) Peterson, her son Cory (Lou) Russell, grandchildren Scotia Bruijn, Jake (Katie) Russell, Claire (Ben) Churchill, Nelson Russell and Hope Russell; great grandchild Callahan Russell; step-grandchildren Julie (Layne) Skogsberg, Teresa (Lorne) Belt, and Amanda (Peter) Warring; sisters-in-law Linda Pethtel, Betty Scarbrough, Kay (Charlie) Stuart, and Fay Huber; and brother-in-law Gene (Fay) Russell.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald Russell; her son, Kyle Russell; her brother, George Pethtel; and her parents Robert and Alma Pethtel.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Family Life Memory Care and the Keystone Hospice team for the compassionate care they provided.