Pastor Ronald "Ron" Melvin Russell, 82, of Humboldt, Nebraska was born July 4, 1943, in Marysville, California, to David N. and Dorothy (Goering) Russell. Ron grew up in Yuba City, graduating from Yuba City High in 1961. After graduation, Ron was mentored by Brother David "Archie" Webb and served as associate pastor at Emmanuel Faith Tabernacle Church in Linda, California. Ron also served as a youth evangelist in California and Oregon, before heading to southeast Nebraska—the area where his parents had grown up. Ron continued to pursue his God-given calling of ministry, serving as a youth pastor in Nebraska City. After some time, he moved to Lincoln. During the week he worked at a music store, and on weekends he would preach wherever he was needed.

In 1968, Ron met a young lady who was working at the Back to the Bible Broadcast headquarters in Lincoln. He asked her out, and the rest is history. Ron and Elnora Ann Warkentin were married in July of 1968 at the Lincoln Berean Church, Lincoln, Nebraska. They were blessed with two sons, Eldon and Bruce. In August of 1973, Ron and Elnora and Eldon moved to Humboldt, Nebraska. Ron ministered in southeast Nebraska for over four decades, retiring in 2018 due to health challenges. He served as pastor at the Humboldt Berean Church, Verdon Congregational Church, and Four-Mile Congregational Church. Ron also worked part-time for the Humboldt Standard Newspaper and Wherry Mortuary.

Ron was active in his community. In 1976, Ron, along with Herbert Young, helped start the Humboldt Community Choir, a choir that is still active to this day. He also served as a board member of various organizations, including the Humboldt Community Foundation (as one of the founding members); Humboldt Housing Authority; Southeast Nebraska Crisis Pregnancy Center; SENCA Board; and the Humboldt Ministerial Group. Ron's wife Elnora passed away March 17, 2004. In the summer of 2007, Ron met a schoolteacher from Minnesota. Caroline's love for the Lord, as well as for music, quickly won him over. (However, Ron would often tease Caroline by saying she simply married him to escape the Minnesnow-ta weather.) He and Caroline Boender were married October 17, 2008, in Caroline's home church in Hospers, Iowa.

Ron passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-two years, two months, and nineteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Elnora, sister LaDonna (Frank) Munar, parents-in-law: George and Anna Warkentin and Henry and Anna Boender.

Ron is survived by his wife Caroline Russell of Humboldt, NE; sons: Eldon Russell (Kristin Loring) of Humboldt, NE; Bruce Russell and wife Deena of Independence, MO; Ron's grandchildren: Julia (and Curt) Thornton, Kaylee Russell, and David Russell; Ron's great-grandchildren: Kinsley Marie Russell and Isaiah James Thornton; former brother-in-law Harvey (Sue Ann) Warkentin; four nieces and one nephew; and many friends.

A Celebration of Ron's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Grace Bible Fellowship Church one mile east of Stella, Nebraska with Pastor David Lockard officiating.

Visitation will be held from noon-8 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha Street in Humboldt. Family will greet friends from 6-7 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment will be held privately at the Four-Mile Cemetery in rural Humboldt, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Outstretched Arms Ministry.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St-Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915.