Russell Maynard Saurey was born at his family home in Columbia Falls, Mont.
He lived the kind of childhood that is lost for so many children of later generations. He spent long days exploring and getting into mischief on the family land. The stories of that time are full of joy, wonder and impish antics. He passed this childhood on to his children, spending countless hours with them, exploring the outdoors, learning the names of the trees, the flowers, the birds, the bugs. And this joy has been passed down to his children’s children.
He went to University at Montana State for a bit before joining the US Navy. That choice to join the Navy was pivotal. He became a Lieutenant Commander and an accomplished naval pilot and most importantly, met the love of his life, Libby. Russ was an inventor and builder of swings, stilts, playhouses, and worlds of whimsy and fun. His patient presence and love sustained his family through all the changes and challenges of military life and beyond.
After retirement in 1976, the family moved to Pensacola to be closer to Libby’s mother. Russ poured all his time, love, effort, mischief and self into raising his daughters and 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren whose lives are enriched by his understanding of the world and his way of living in it. He truly laid so many cornerstones for a joyful life for all of us.
Russ was a faithful Catholic with one goddaughter, Eliza. He modeled for her and his entire family a commitment to his faith that endured till the very end.
Russ is survived by his wife of 72 years Libby, his daughters, Angie, Dawn Marie, Suzie and Amy. His sons-in-law Simon, Harry and Ricardo, his grandchildren Becky, Sally, Jamie, Lisa, Jon, Paul, Russell, Zac, Josh, Jessica, Sofía, Eliza, María, and Emma Lu and many great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 4 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., Shiloh, Ill. with Rev. Paul Wienhoff presiding. Russ's remains will be laid to rest at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Fla. Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., served the family. Sign the guestbook at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
