Carolyn E.M. Russ (Monson) was born on September 16, 1935, a few minutes after midnight, in Kelliher, Minnesota. She is a twin and her twin sister, Marilyn, was born just before midnight on September 15th. They always celebrated their birthdays on September 15th and Carolyn recently celebrated her 91st birthday with her family. At age 2 1/2, Carolyn and Marilyn were adopted by Nels and Alma Monson. They grew up on a beautiful farm in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Carolyn was forever grateful for being adopted by such wonderful parents and never forgot what a gift it was to her life. Carolyn attended college at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Minnesota. It was there she started dating her future husband, Dr. H.H. Russ. They married and had 3 daughters: Susan, Jennifer & Amy. Upon Dr. Russ graduating from medical school at the University of Minnesota, Carolyn and Dr. Russ lived in Center City and Lindstrom, Minnesota. They then moved on to Warroad, Minnesota, where Dr. Russ opened up a private medical practice and Carolyn worked as his medical assistant. After about 6 years in Warroad, they moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where Dr. Russ specialized in Radiation Oncology at the Mayo Clinic. They then moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin, where they resided for over 20 years. During the Marshfield years, they bought a cabin in Minocqua, Wisconsin. This became their most cherished and beloved place to be, and family will forever be grateful for all the family time and wonderful memories created there. Dr. Russ and Carolyn moved to Green Cove Springs, Florida, upon retirement and spent winters at their home there and summers at their cabin in Wisconsin until Dr. Russ passed in 2016. Carolyn has lived at Seagrass Village in her apartment in Fleming Island, Florida for the past 8 years. Carolyn was a member of Faith Lutheran church while residing in Marshfied, Wisconsin, and first Presbyterian Church in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Carolyn will be remembered for the joy and humor she brought to her family and friends. She was truly one of a kind! She was a people person who always had a lot of dear friends and met new ones along the way. She also was a pet lover and had a minimum of 2 dogs for most of her life. Over the years, she enjoyed oil painting, decorating & interior design but mostly relished spending time with her family and friends. In her later years, she delighted in seeing pictures, videos and hearing various stories about her great grandchildren. Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. H.H. Russ and twin sister, Marilyn Wilken, her mother and father, as well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a niece and nephew. She is survived by her three daughters: Susan Draxler (David) of Edina, MN; Jennifer Wanke (Russell) of Fleming Island, FL; Amy Gruen (Glenn) of Jacksonville, FL; Grandchildren: Jacob (Amy) Gruen of Jacksonville, FL; Nicholas Gruen (Kelli) of Jacksonville, FL; Brianna Gruen (John) of Fleming Island, FL; Meghan Draxler of St Louis Park, MN; Melissa Milan (Mac) of Edina, MN; Dr. Tyler Wanke (Yasmeen) of Chicago, IL; & Casidy Wanke of Milwaukee, WI. Great Grandchildren: Jordynn, Brandon, Christian, Jaxon, Olivia, Beau, Graham, Teddy, Ava, Birdie & Poppy; 10 nieces and nephews. Carolyn is also survived by her beloved dog & companion of 15 years, Tia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 Gum Street Green Cove Springs, Florida on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 3pm with a reception to follow. Special thanks and gratitude go out to her loving and wonderful Hospice nurse (Mary) and caretakers (Carole, Ashley, Hayley).

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

First Presbyterian Church-300 Gum Street Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043.

Vitas Hospice - Please designate location of Fleming Island, Florida, in memory of Carolyn Russ.