Cecilia "Penny" Russell

Cecilia Ilene “Penny” Russell, 75, of Charlevoix, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.  She was born on August 10, 1947 in Petoskey, MI, the daughter of Ethan and Cecilia (Baker) Hibbler.

Penny moved her family around many times as a military wife before returning to Charlevoix permanently in 1982.  She helped run the motel near the airport for several years and eventually started her own cleaning company.  She was skilled at baking, sewing, and making crafts; she enjoyed selling these items at the Old Emmet Farm Market for the past nine years.  If she had any of her famous banana bread left over, she would always give it away.  She also enjoyed gardening and having coffee with her sisters in Petoskey.  Many will remember Penny as “The Greeter”; anytime she entered or exited a business, she would be sure to shake everyone’s hand and greet them with a smile or a story.

Penny is survived by two children, Jeffrey Russell of Charlevoix and Lorrie Bennett of Petoskey; bonus daughter, Jodi (Stuart) Ezop-McKay; four grandchildren, Zachary (Liz) Russell, Avery Bennett, Cearra Bennett, and Mackenzie Stepanian; two great-grandchildren, Madolin and Lola; six siblings, Kristine Bester, Marla Franklin, Marcia Cook, Claire (Tracy) Hart, Kurt (Penny) Hibbler, and Keith (Tammy) Hibbler; and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ethan and Cecilia Hibbler; her son, Blake Russell; and six siblings, Susan Martinchek, Harry Hibbler, Colette Hibbler, Edward Hibbler, Leonard Hibbler, and Joyce Crouch.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with pastor Kurt Hibbler officiating.  Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Hospice of Northern Michigan.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com