Obituary of Josephine M. Russ

Josephine M. Russ, 83, of Panama, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012, while at home. Josephine was born on March 13, 1928, in Portage, PA, daughter of Frank Sr. and Catherine Rose (Starchville) Zock and had 12 siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Frank Jr., Chester, and Leo Zock; sisters Blanche Zock and Agnes Tomasko; and her husband, Ed Russ of Panama. Surviving are her three sons: Gary of West Palm Beach, FL, Richard of Panama, NY, and James of Columbus, OH and nine grandchildren, along with one great-grandchild and another on the way. Josephine is also survived by sisters Anna Zock, Clifton, NJ, Kathryn Mackoviak, Esther Sabala, Regina Gillin and Delores Rorabaugh, all of Portage and Irene Lidwell of Ashville and a brother Stanley Zock of Portage. Josephine loved to read, cook, and take care of her family. Josephine traveled with her husband Ed and cooked for the Jamestown Old Timers' Baseball Club for more than 25 years. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Panama, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting donations to be distributed to various local charities.