Russell James Ottney, 82 of Harmony PA, after a valiant fight with dementia and Parkinson’s, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on March 28 2023.
He was born in Fremont, OH to the late Glenn & Iva (Havens) Ottney, had two sisters Cheryl (Ottney) Wagner and Sarah (Ottney) Wagner and a brother, Dale Ottney. He was a graduate of Fremont Ross High, and went on to study at Case Western.
A loving father to Dianne Ottney-Mackie, Tammy (Ottney) Almendinger and Kirsten (Ottney) Benton and step father to Shane Wood and Shawna (Wood) Leahey. He enjoyed being a grandpa in his later years to 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Russ worked in the petroleum business where he met his wife, Karen Donnel. They were married on September 1st, 1996. He was a devoted and loving husband.
Best remembered by his loved ones as a snazzy dresser, ballroom dancer, recreational golfer, and connoisseur (or so he thought) of single malt scotch and cigars. Spare time was spent renovating homes with love for his step children. A quiet guy with a soft heart and kind blue eyes, he will be dearly missed and remembered fondly. Russ was preceded in death by his brother Dale, his parents and a grandson, Ricky.
Arrangements through SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001, WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM. A private gathering will be held in memory of Russ.
The family wants to give a huge thank you to Genna and all the staff at Transitions Care Hospice.