Ella Faye Russell was born January 13, 1949, and departed this life Friday, December 29, 2023, reaching the age of 74 years. She was the daughter of (the late) John D. and Lucy T. (Denney) Wilhite.

She is survived by her son, Eric Russell (Billy Reihl), along with a host of family and friends who mourn her passing including, her two remaining sisters-in-law, Phyllis Southwood, and Debbie Dishman; lifelong dear friend, Mary Lois Roberts, and very-helpful friends Ronnie and Wanda Daniels.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Bruce "Buck" Russell; 1 daughter, Vivian Leigh Russell; 1 brother, John Louis Wilhite; and one sister, Charlotte J. Denney.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 1 pm at the Elk Spring Cemetery shelter house, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Lake Cumberland and Golden Years Nursing Home.

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.