Theodore Eugene Russell (Ted) was born on November 7, 1928, in Raton, New Mexico, to Oscar “Fat” Russell and Veva Corrine Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: sister Viola (Russell) Fisher and Boostie (Russell) Keener; brothers Oscar Russell, Donald Dean Russell, Laurence Russell, and Thomas Russell.

Ted attended Clayton Public Schools and later Highland University.

He met the love of his life, Betty Lou Seaton, at a carnival in Raton, New Mexico. Ted often claimed she had curlers in her hair that night, which remained a hotly contested topic throughout their marriage.

After they wed, Ted worked as a cowboy at the Clayton Booster Station before taking Betty to Texas, where he went to work for Pioneer Natural Gas in Amarillo. While living in Amarillo, Rodger and Jesse were born. The family later moved to Odessa, Texas, where Mark and Alfred were born. Soon after, Ted and Betty returned to New Mexico, where he sold houses and then started Rusco Construction.

Ted and Betty raised their four sons in Aztec, New Mexico; Rodger Russell and wife Jennifer (Gibbs); Jesse Russell and wife Suzanne (Crane); Mark Russell and wife Trish (Everett); and Alfred Russell and wife Cheri (Hall).

Ted was a proud grandan to Joshua David, Nathan (Amy); Amy (Derek Beckman); Stephanie (Russ Mann); Jessalyn; Jenilee (Jeremy Rowse); Matthew (Ariel); Autumn (Jeremy Higgins); Jacob; James (Violeta); and Joshua Seaton.

He was a beloved greatpa to Andrew Russell, Sam Russell, Soren Beckman, Beats Beckman, Micah Mann, Ezra Mann, Gentry Rowse, Minor Griego, Kayla Russell, and James Dean Jr. Russell.

Ted was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Aztec for more than 70 years. He served as deacon, participated in various committees, sang in choir, and sang with the church quartet.

Ted was deeply committed to his community and served on the Aztec Municipal School Board for 12 years, where he took pride in supporting students, teachers and families.

Ted loved playing his guitar and singing classical country music, especially alongside his brother Oscar. He also enjoyed fly fishing and reading anything he could get his hands on. He was a lifelong hunter and avid golfer.

Throughout his life, Ted worked many jobs, including cowboy, construction worker and top selling insurance salesman for Franklin Life Insurance, before retiring. He loved his coffee strong, his chili hot, and his dinner on time.

Ted was a loving man known for his quiet wisdom, steady guidance and kind spirit. Anyone who met him had only good things to say about him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of faith, music, hard work, and wisdom lives on through his family and all who knew him.

Ted’s Memorial Celebration will be held on Monday February 9, 2026, at 11:00 am, at First Baptist Church, 700 Navajo Street, Aztec, New Mexico.