Mary Magdalene Daigle Russell

And God spoke to Joshua, saying, "Be strong and courageous... the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you". (Hebrews 13:5)

Mary Magdalene Daigle Russell was born in 1932 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where her lifelong passion for Jesus Christ was ignited. At the age of 17, Mary turned her life over to God, a decision that shaped her every breath thereafter. Her heart was set on eternity and her life’s mission became clear: to make Heaven as crowded as she could. A Celebration of Life will conducted on Saturday March 7, 2026 at Ardoin's Funeral Home with Pastor Jamie officiating services.

In her teens, Mary fearlessly and boldly proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ on the street corners of Lake Charles, Louisiana, serving as a prayer warrior and a living testimony of God’s grace. Jesus was not just part of her life, He was her life. Her heart overflowed with love for all of His people, and she continued this calling into adulthood, witnessing God's love to everyone she would encounter. Mary believed that had she not told someone that Jesus loved them, they might never hear it so she never missed an opportunity to share the gift she'd found in her early salvation. Even in her 90's, she never stopped leading souls to the cross.

Mary lived in Arizona for most of her adult life, where she worked for Motorola in the 1980s and 1990s, long before cell phones gained popularity, and helped pioneer technology still used today. She was an exceptional employee with unwavering work ethic and integrity. After many years of service, she retired from Motorola in the early 90s and relocated to Iota, Louisiana to care for her husband who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She resided in South Louisiana until her passing.

Socially, Mary loved everyone like family and enjoyed fellowship while sharing meals. Her favorite was the Peking Restaurant in Eunice, Louisiana, where she famously renamed the sweet and sour sauce “pink gravy.” Her joy, humor, and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered, and she will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

Mary leaves behind an incredible legacy of faith and love. Those left to carry on her legacy include her daughter Rose Russell Smith and husband Christopher; daughter Jenny Matherly and husband Robert Dale; grandchildren Jennifer Kruger, Matthew Humphrey, Daniel Matherly, Jonathan Humphrey, Sarah Humphrey, and Randall Humphrey; great-grandchildren Alana Hanninen, Ethan Palansky, Shiana Humphrey, Breanna Humphrey, and Austin Matherly; and countless others who will continue to feel the ripple of her faith and love for all God's people.

Mary is now rejoicing in Heaven, eternally reunited with her beloved husband, Luther Johnson Russell, and her parents, Fulton Daigle and Rose LeBleu, celebrating together in the presence of the Lord she served so faithfully.

Mary will be lovingly remembered during a visitation at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte on Saturday, March 7, 2026 beginning at 12:00 PM until time of services.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Mary ran her race, kept the faith, and finished strong.

Family and friends may leave their condolences at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin's Funeral Home in Ville Platte has been entrusted with arrangements.