Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Wilma "Nip" Jean (Doerner) Russ, 93, residing in Milan, passed away early Monday morning, December 12, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.
Nip was born on August 24, 1929 in Milan, OH to the late Gustav Adolph and Lucinda (Smith) Doerner.
Nip was the last living member of her 1947 graduating class from Milan High School. She has previously been employed at Milan Steel, before retiring as the secretary from Tenneco in Milan. Nip was one of the longest members of Edison Memorial United Methodist Church. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and Mothers Club member. Nip loved to follow her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting events. She also enjoyed gardening, traveling, playing pinochle and boating on Lake Erie.
Grandma enjoyed summer days entertaining family and friends at their pool with squirt cheese and crackers, the best iced tea, and ice cream bars for dessert. We will always cherish the good memories made from her generous hosting during the Melon Festival.
Nip is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Tom) Gfell of Milan; son, Gary (Lisa) Russ of Gahanna; grandchildren, Laura (Ryan) Kerns of Galena, James (Brooke) Gfell of Norwalk, Amanda (Ryan) Norling of New Brighton, MN, Jason (Maureen) Russ of Liberty Center, Rachel (Rodney) Merrick of Hilliard and Kevin (Heather) Riggleman of Cincinnati; great-grandchildren, Everett and Weston Gfell, Andrew "AJ" and Jenna Kerns, Owen and Elin Norling, Addison, Carmen and Harper Russ, and Regan and Quinn Riggleman; sisters, Doris Quayle, June Weilnau and Marian Webb; brother, Robert Doerner all of Milan; sisters-in-law, Kathleen LaVine and Juanita Lambert both of Milan; brother-in-law, James Haas of Norwalk and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, Nip is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Robert Russ; grandson, Matthew Gfell; brothers, William (Lela), Russell (June), Lewis (Kathryn), Donald (Amelia); sister-in-law, Nancy Doerner; sisters, Helen (Arlie Kosman & Cal) Mittower, Dorothy (Leonard) Haag, Marjorie (Stephen Henry & Cal) Mittower, Judy Haas; and brothers-in-law, Warren Burras, Loren Weilnau, Marvin Webb, William Lambert and Andre LaVine.
Friends may call on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory Milan Chapel, 1 S. Main St., Milan. Friends may also call on Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 10:00 am until the time of memorial services at 11:00 am at Edison Memorial United Methodist Church, 10 E. Church St., Milan. The Rev. Dr. Diane Bell will officiate. Burial will follow in Milan Cemetery, Milan.
Those wishing to contribute to Nip's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or to Edison Memorial United Methodist Church, 10 E. Church St., Milan, OH 44846
