RUSSELLVILLE — Sherry Gardner Russell,

age 71, of Russellville, died Monday, July 20, 2020, at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home. She was born on October 7, 1948, in Russellville to William Paul and Mildred Warren Gardner, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Russellville High School in 1966 and attended Arkansas Tech University while working as Secretary to the Personnel Director at Morton Frozen Foods. In 1971, she began her career with the Arkansas Employment Security Division as an interviewer and 37 years later retired as the Regional Director in Russellville. Her family and friends knew her as intelligent, compassionate, spirited, witty, hardworking, loving, and independent. It would also be remiss not to mention her love of horses, especially her beloved Quarter Horse, Blackjack, whom for many years was a treasure and joy to her.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Leslie and Chuck Emberton of Lonoke, and Brooke and Trevor Taylor of Russellville; a brother and sister-inlaw, Kiah and Diane Gardner of Russellville; three grandchildren, Haley Emberton, Gemma Taylor, and Gabe Taylor; a niece, Leah Gardner; a nephew, Kiah Henry Gardner; father of her children, Bill Russell and his fiancée, Mary Ryan; and her close friends, Laura Robertson and William and Kim Sims.

A private graveside service for the family, will be held in Oakland Cemetery with the Bro. Daniel Conditt officiating and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Honorary pallbearers are Kiah Gardner, Chuck Emberton, Trevor Taylor, and Kiah Henry Gardner. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Equestrian Zone, P.O. Box 282 Russellville, Ark., 72811.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.