Rita Kate Russell

Posted on October 14, 2026

Rita Kate Russell, 64, of Perry passed away on Oct. 5, 2026, in Gainesville, leaving behind a lifetime of love, cherished memories and a family who will forever carry her in their hearts. Born on March 7, 1962, in Perry, Rita was a loving mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and a woman whose heart was always fullest when surrounded by her family. Her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were her whole world. There was nothing she treasured more than the people she loved, and each of them held a special place in her heart. Rita dedicated much of her life to caring for others through her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Caring for people wasn’t simply a job to her; it was part of who she was. She had a heart for helping others and gave comfort and care to those who needed it. Those who knew Rita will remember the little things that made her so special. She loved her Pepsi, and her grandchildren will always laugh remembering how she would gladly share her pork rinds all day long, but her Pepsi was another story! She was also affectionately known as “Buzzard Lip,” a nickname given to her by her late husband, Leroy Russell. These are the memories that will continue to bring smiles through the tears. Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy Russell; her father, Wiley Poppell; her mother, Margret Ann Poppell; and her brother, Carl Russell. She leaves behind: her loving children, Rena Russell, Edna Russell (Davy Monk) and Justin Russell (Erica Mosley); her beloved grandchildren, Hayley Carter, (Driston Carter) Cameron Severance,Liam Cooper, Kylie Howard, Katie Quesenberry (Alan Quesenberry), Alexis Padgett (Nick Padgett), Bubba Davis, Savannah Davis, Cecil Cobb, Shanna Davis, Aiden Monk, Aubriana Monk, Hunter Russell, Tucker Russell,Waylon Russell and RoyLee Russell; and her precious greatgrandchildren, Summit Quesenberry, Mi’liyah Cobb and Makeena Carter. She is also survived by her longtime companion, Leroy Padgett, who shared a special chapter of her life following the passing of her husband. Although her family must now learn to live without her physical presence, the love she gave them will never leave. It will live on in the stories they tell, the laughter they share, the traditions they carry forward and the countless memories of a momma and grandma who loved them with everything she had. Rita’s greatest legacy was not measured by what she owned or what she accomplished, but by the family she loved and the lives she touched. She was their momma, their grandma, their greatgrandma and she will forever be loved, missed and remembered. Funeral services were held at Burns Funeral Home of Perry on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. Interment followed at Oakland Church Cemetery. Visitation was held at Burns Funeral Home Friday, Oct. 9, from 6-8 p.m. All services are under the care of Burns Funeral Home.