Russell L. Adams

Russell L. Adams, 79, of Rockford, IL earned his angel wings passing away Wednesday, June 23, 2021. He was born May 3, 1942 in Brookland, AR the son to Edward and Minnie (Davenport) Adams. Russell was joined in matrimony on November 26, 1960 to Marcia Beck, his wife and best friend of 61 years. Russell worked at Cotta Transmission for 25 years and MTE hydraulics from 1994 until his retirement in 2007. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and runner, competing in many races. Russell enjoyed playing basketball in school and for Cotta Transmission and golf, which he started playing at age 60. When the kids were young, Russell enjoyed camping out west. His favorite places were the Grand Tetons, Ft. Meyers, FL, several cruises and several European countries. Russell was a great family man and loved his family but he also loved his 1972 Corvette. He was very involved in his children’s lives acting as his daughter’s softball coach in Stillman Valley. Russell served as president of the village of Davis Junction. Russell was known for his wonderful cookouts. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. He was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great papa, great bata and great-great papa, brother, uncle and friend.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marcia; special daughters, Lori (Steven) McNally and Vicky Larson; grandpa to, William (Michelle Ruttman) McNally, Rob (Renee) Sisler, Andrew Larson, Tiffany (Tyler Penington) Larson; great papa and bata to, Liam McNally, Madalyn McNally, Kayla Ruttman, Roy Hackbert, Brian Sisler, Brett Sisler, Ben Sisler, Kylea (Dalton) Vaughan, Devon Wallace, Aria Dauenbaugh, Marley Penington; great-great papa to, Flora Vaughan; sister, Judie Whitney; favorite aunt, Alice Anderson; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lunch buddy and special friend, Cary (Jeanette) Bennett; special friend, Lisa Poulda. Predeceased by his beloved daughter, Wendy Adams; grandson, Nathan Swan; parents, Ed & Minnie; sisters, Yvonne Nelms, Evelyn Gray, Betty “Eddie” Bogard; brother, Charles Adams; nephew, Ed Whitney; niece Cindy Peary.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Russell’s name to the American Lung Association. Share online condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.