- Date Of Birth: June 12, 1953
- Date Of Death: February 19, 2017
- State: Idaho
Steven Fenton Russell, 63, passed away on February 19, 2017 of complications following a battle with cancer.
Steve was born in Emmett on June 12, 1953 to Bill and Clara (Towne) Russell. As the second born of seven children, he spent much of his childhood learning to work from his dad and grandfather on the family dairy farm. One of his earliest memories was driving tractor for his dad stacking hay. During his years at Emmett High School, he and his brother Clyde enjoyed enlisting their peers’ help in stacking hay, only for the entertainment gained when said help realized they could not keep up with the Russell boys’ work ethic. He was a member of the Emmett FFA and maintained throughout his life his high opinion of the agricultural leadership organization’s role in young people’s lives.
Steve later attended the University of Idaho for a time to study agriculture and to rodeo and remained a fan and supporter of the institution for life. Before starting a farm of his own, Steve enjoyed training and racing his family’s Quarter Horses at the small tracks in Idaho. He was proud to have been a part of what he called ‘an important part of this state’s heritage’.
Steve married Claudia Heins on March 27, 1982, and they spent the next 34 years building their dairy farm on the Emmett bench with their five children. Steve and Claudia started their farm with 30 Holstein heifers and 80 acres of feed crops. Over three decades later, that same farm milks 150 cows and grows 350 acres of alfalfa, silage and grain corn, and barley.
Steve believed in working hard every day of his life, but he also believed that an individual had a responsibility to their surrounding community. He served on the board of the Emmett Irrigation District for nearly 30 years. He was particularly proud of the improvements made for the water users on the Emmett bench. His knowledge of the Payette River Drainage System was unmatched, and his experience with district issues was highly respected.
Steve is preceded in death by his father Bill and his brother Clyde.
Steve is survived by his wife Claudia, his children Angie (Andrew) Ratcliffe of Seward, NE, Liz of Kuna, ID, Stew of Emmett, ID, Henry of New Plymouth, ID and Wesley of Emmett, ID, and granddaughter Cora Ratcliffe. He is also survived by his mother Clara, brothers Clayton (Kaye) and Andy, sisters Jackie (Allen) Phillips, Lila (Stan) Russell-Schlief, and Lois Russell, and many other family and friends.
