Hartley Russell, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 at his home.
Born May 4, 1944 in Walton, he was the son of Robert and Catherine (Gilchrist) Russell.
A graduate of Walton Central School and Delhi College, Hartley started working as a local milk tester and followed that with a few years working under a general contractor. He then began what became his lifelong occupation becoming the fourth generation to run the family dairy farm.
In 1966, he married Marilyn Harrington and they enjoyed 51 years together before she passed away in 2018.
Although he gave up milking around 2010, he continued farming by raising beef cattle and by raising and selling hay. He was active in many agricultural organizations including the Dairymen’s League and Delaware County Cooperation Extension. He also served on the Delaware County Electric Coop Board for 50 years. Hartley was always interested in learning new things and so attended many conferences and classes. Most recently he started bee-keeping.
Hartley was a faithful lifelong member of the Walton Reformed Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder for 53 years. He spent his life bringing glory to God and caring for his creation.
Hartley was a soft-spoken man of few words, but they were often sprinkled with wisdom and humor.
Survivors include his brother Renwick Russell; sisters Marilyn Compeau and Virginia Russell; son David Russell, daughter Debbie Vuong and grandchildren Stacy Dynski, Nicole Russell, Jaimie Russell, Eden Vuong, Esther Vuong and Malachi Vuong.
Calling, hours to which relatives and friends are invited to attend, will be held Friday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street in Walton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 10am at the Walton Reformed Presbyterian Church, 34 East Street, Walton. Burial will follow at Walton Cemetery.
Memorial donations in Hartley’s name can be made to the Walton Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home. To leave a message of peace and comfort for Hartley’s family, please visit his online tribute at www.courtneyfh.com.
