Dorothy Joan Russell

Dorothy Joan Russell, known to all as Joan, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Mifflintown on March 4, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on May 21, 1930, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of John Alleman Shartle and Mary Alice Frantz Shartle. Joan was the last surviving member of the six Shartle siblings.

She was the devoted wife of George Elwood Russell, who passed away on October 19, 1980. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Eileen Louise (Field) Shawley. Joan is survived by her three daughters, Dianne Colyer of Tyrone, Joan Fusco of Mifflintown, and Madelene (Maggie) Frymoyer of Thompsontown. She was the proud grandmother of Jessica Colyer Eaton, Matthew Colyer, Ryan Colyer, Andrea Williams Shriner, Christopher Williams, Adrian Shawley, William Shawley, and Robert Fusco. Her great-grandchildren are Riley Eaton, Weston Eaton, Damien Barker, Alexis Barker, and Trevor Colyer. In the final days of her life, she had the joy of meeting her first great-great-grandchild, Nova Barker.

Joan was deeply devoted to her faith and her family. A gifted self-taught pianist, she spent many happy hours at her piano. She met life with a ready smile and laugh, always offering a kind word and remaining grateful for even the smallest blessings. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A memorial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Altoona, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband in May 2026.