DODGE CITY – Melanie Lynn Russell, 71 died Monday, October 7, 2024 in her home in Dodge City.

She was born on February 19, 1953 in Harper, Kansas the daughter of Paul and Margaret (Land) Ward. She worked as the Manager of the grocery store in Sublette. She lived in Sublette, Kansas until moving to Dodge City in November of 2023. Melanie was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She enjoyed arts and crafts, singing, dancing and going to the lake to camp. Above all, family was everything to her.

Her husband, Jimmy Ray Russell, preceded her in death on September 26, 2021. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Maragret Ward.

Survivors include: 4 children: Jewel Litton and husband Kurt, Dodge City, Jason Wetz, Kearney, Nebraska, Chanda Mendoza, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and daughter-in-law, Kylee Wetz, Montezuma, Kansas; 6 grandchildren, Kyla Martinez, Kenneth Litton, Jalynn Litton, Kyler Litton, Maddison Wetz, and Chandler Wetz; 6 great-grandchildren, Jerry Howard, Kapaun Wetz, Itza Gamboa, Nereida Gamboa, Luke Portanova and Oakley Litton; and numerous children and grandchildren she called her own.

A private family service will be held at a later date. There will be no public visitation as cremation has taken place.

The family suggests memorials to the Cancer Center of Kansas and Hospice of the Prairie both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.