Cover photo for Russell Strong's Obituary
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1938 Russell 2021

Russell Strong

November 14, 1938 — December 30, 2021

Russell Dillworth Strong left this mortal life at the age of 83 on December 30, 2021. He passed away in Heber City, Utah, just four days after his sweetheart Carol left this world. Both died of health complications that often come with old age.

Russell was born on November 14, 1938, in Marblehead, Massachusetts to Harry Marshall Strong and Eunice Belliveau. He was the oldest of three children. An accident happened when he was just three years old, which caused Russ to lose an eye. This was a permanent trial in his life, which he learned to overcome and never complained about. It never held him back.

Russell learned to be independent early in life, as his dad served in the Navy during World War II. He helped raise his sisters and learned survival. His first job was shining shoes when he was just a boy. Later he worked as a stone mason with his dad, learned the skills of excavation, and even built a cabin in New Hampshire. …..

In 1969, Russell met cute Carol Richburg of Winchester, Massachusetts. They married in 1970 and together they raised five children—David, Stephen, Michael, John, and Melissa. Both Russell and Carol joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1974. They were sealed together as a family on September 20, 1975, in the Washington DC temple. They later moved to Utah. They settled in the small town of Santaquin and raised their family among many friends. It was in this community that Russ started his own plumbing business, which provided well for his family. After twenty-three years, they moved to Fairview, Utah, which was another community they came to love.

Russell’s reputation is one of honest work ethic and faith. His children recall early Saturday mornings when they were woken up with the expectation to dig undergrounds.  Sarcasm and high expectations got the boys out the door, with the joke that Dad’s promise of ‘no rocks’ in the trenches was not to be believed. Russ’s definition of fun always involved work, but the legacy was passed on—to both his children and his grandchildren.

Work was important to Russ, but even greater is his example of faith.  Russ desired good, and loved the Lord.  He served a mission with his wife Carol in their later years, and he lived a life of integrity and commitment to his church.  His faith sustained him is whole life and has brought much peace in the final days of his life.

Russell is survived by four sons, David (Gina) Strong, Stephen (Alyson) Strong, Michael (Amy) Strong, and John (Novah) Strong; one daughter, Melissa (Derik) Bringhurst; and seventeen grandchildren, Ryan, Rebecca (Peter Harper), Megan, Joseph, Alex, Jason, Eliza, Daniel, Ethan, Emily, Anthony, Maryn, Peter, Kate, Nathan, Lance, and Madison; and one sister, Arlene Witham.   He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Carol Richburg Strong; his parents Harry and Eunice; and his sister Sandra Ciani.

Services will be combined with his wife Carol Strong and will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022 in Santaquin, Utah at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 345 W 100 N. A viewing will begin at 11:00am followed by a funeral service at 1:00pm. Interment will be at the Santaquin City Cemetery.

The family would like to express their special thanks to all extended family, friends, and the Mountainville Ward for the love, support, and genuine kindness through the years. They also express their deep appreciation to the many healthcare workers at Spring Gardens Assisted Living and Encompass Home and Hospice.


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