Billie J. (Bess) Russell, 82, of Hardy passed away October 15, 2006, at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home. She was born in Piggott, the daughter of the late John. H. Bess, a veterinarian, and Sarah Ella (Long) Bess, a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Theron E. Russell, of Hardy, two daughters, Linda Kay Littlecalf of Flint, MI., and Deborah Ann Durfee of St. Charles, MO., four sons, Gary R. Howard, of Burton, MI., Theron E. Russell, II., of Bryon, MI., Lowell Kelly Russell of Glencoe, AR., and James M. Russell, of Mammoth Springs, AR., and two sisters, Lila Mae Bratcher of Concord, MI., and Wanlea Crank, of Davidson, MI., and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and on e son, Lloyd Nathan, who passed away at age 6, after a serious illness.

The funeral services were held Oct. 18, 2006, at Pioneer Freewill Baptist Church in Ash Flat, AR., with the Rev. Lawrence Dacus and the Rev. Hoyt Pope officiating. Burial followed in New Hope Cemetery in Pollard.

Heath Funeral Home and Oak Hill Chapel were in charge of the arrangements in Hardy.

Memorials may be sent to Pioneer Freewill Baptist Church songbook fund in Ash Flat.