In Loving Memory of Nell Louise Wilson

October 4, 1928 – August 11, 2025

Nell Louise Wilson, lovingly known as “Tootie” to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at the age of 96. She was born to Bill and Ruby Sidebottom on October 4, 1928, the same year as Mickey Mouse, which spurred a life-long love for him. Nell was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma where she lived her entire life.

Nell was a proud graduate of Sapulpa High School’s Class of 1946, along with her friend Ethel Davis who was a very loyal life-long friend to her. In 1947, she married Willard Russell, and they had four sons, Roger, Terry, Randy, and Rick. She worked hard to instill in them the values of family, faith, and hard work. She enjoyed a fulfilling career at PSO and retired there after many years. In 1963, Nell found love again and married Johnny Wilson, with whom she shared 30 cherished years until his passing in 1992.

Nell’s heart was always full when surrounded by family. She treasured every gathering, laugh, and moment spent with those she loved. Her love for animals was lifelong as her home was always filled with the joyful presence of her furry companions. She embraced life with energy—running 5K and 10K races well into her seventies and participating in bowling leagues with friends for many years, even earning the nickname “Gutter Queen”. Even when she could no longer bowl, she continued to visit the bowling alley just to support her friends.

Her adventurous spirit led her to take many cruises, from Alaska to Hawaii, and even the Caribbean. She even spent two weeks in Hong Kong and marveled at Niagara Falls on a memorable bus tour of the Northeast with her dear friends John and Marilyn, with whom she also shared many card games and laughter. Nell was also an avid OU Sooners fan.

Nell was especially devoted to her great-granddaughter, Hannah Mayfield, whom she helped raise for four precious years. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she had a deep love for Christ. She was a member of the Sand Springs Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Nell is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Maxine Clark, brothers Lewis and Ray Allen Sidebottom, sons Roger and Terry Russell, grandsons Robby and Randy Lee Russell Jr., Willard Russell and Johnny Wilson.

She leaves behind a legacy in her surviving sons and their wives Randy & Helen Russell of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Rick & Lisa Russell of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Her memory lives on through her grandchildren Terry Jr. & Donna Russell, Brian Russell, Ryan Russell, Brandi Russell, Tyler & Jessica Russell, Ricki & Austin Easley, and Cody & Lindsey Russell, as well as an additional 11 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren, her niece Teri Jackson, nephew Andy Toppenberg, her honorary son Bil Loghry, dedicated neighbor Randy Holland, and close friends Ethel Davis, Marilyn & Mike Naud, and Sandi and Joni Bokovoy.

We will all miss her sense of humor, her warm and loving nature, as well as her heartfelt “I love you’s”. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. There is no doubt that anyone who finds their way to heaven will be greeted by her beautiful smile.