Scott Russell
Scott Jerome Russell, 86, of Custer, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Scott was born on September 15, 1939, the son of the late Delbert and Jessie (Scott) Russell. He was a 1957 graduate of Northport High School. After graduation he attended Central Michigan University, earning his master’s degree. He started student teaching at Ludington High School under mentor Joe Kowatch in 1961. He was then hired as a teacher and coach at Mason County Eastern Schools. He went on to be the middle school and high school principal, and eventually Mason County Eastern’s superintendent until 1982, when he was then hired as the superintendent at Mason-Lake Intermediate School District (now West Shore Educational Service District).
In 2001, after 40 years of serving the Mason County area, he retired. He was well known in the public education arena as an adjunct professor for educational leadership at Central Michigan University, where he taught up and coming administrators “the ropes” of education.
On June 8, 1963, he married Shirley Beth Rosenow. Together they shared over 50 years of marriage until her passing in 2014.
Scott was an avid sports fan, with a particular interest in baseball, basketball, and football. His hobbies also included fishing and hunting, activities that allowed him to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors. In the 1960s, he would travel to Nebraska and other western states to hunt pheasants, deer, antelope, and elk. This tradition lasted over 30 years, establishing many lasting friendships. Those same friends would take their families to the Ludington area where they would go salmon fishing and enjoy other recreational activities. He also raised and trained Labrador retrievers. Beyond education and sports, he was known for his outgoing personality, and his love for his family, friends and his career.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Helping Hands during Scott’s final few months for their care and compassion, along with the caring staff at Harbor Hospice Poppen House in Muskegon.
Scott is survived by his sons, Greg (Patti) Russell, and their children, Aaron, Matt, and his fiancé Maddie; and John (Aimee) Russell, and their children, Tate, and Josie.
Scott was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Russell; and parents, Delbert and Jessie Russell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Scott’s name can be directed to Mason County Eastern Schools, where a scholarship in his name will be set up to benefit a student pursuing a degree in education.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.
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