In loving memory of

Winifred E Russe
October 25, 1924 - July 8, 2017

Winifred Russe is survived by her four children; Mary Ellen, Richard, David and Nancy, two grandsons and one great grandson.

Raised in Texas, she moved to Seattle after WW2 to escape the heat. Her cowboy roots had her opening the Tack Shack in Bothell, later Woodinville, which was the premier western store in the northwest. Following the Boeing layoffs in the 70's she started Hay Inc which rescued hundreds of starving horses. Upon her retirement she moved to a senior housing park and quickly became manager. She was a strong, independent, brilliant woman who will be missed by many.

A date and location for her memorial will be posted when arrangements have been made.

Tributes

Chuck Laiti wrote on Nov 26, 2018:

"Winnie was truly a pillar of the community. The tack shack, both in Bothell and Woodinville became something of an institution. What proud heritage..."

Joseph Johnston wrote on Jul 21, 2017:

"I will always remember this wonderful lady as Aunt Winifred :-) She had a sister named Frances, and two brothers named Richard (Buck) and Alexander (Jake). I believe that was all of the Johnston siblings. Jake was my Dad. Just like Winifred, Jake escaped the Texas heat some years back and spent his final years in Colorado. I remember Winifred when I was boy, visiting Uncle Buck in Texarkana. Winifred played games with us kids at Buck's house. I remember her being pretty, happy, energetic & fun. A few years ago, when I was working in Afghanistan, I mailed Aunt Winifred some jewelry made by the people in the mountains of Afghanistan. I got a wonderful hand-written letter of thanks from Win in return. I'll keep it forever. I even had the chance to talk with Win on the phone when I called her from Afghanistan, and the intelligent, charismatic & energetic aunt that I remembered as a kid was still there. We talked about one of her favorite things - horses! I'm sure Winifred will be a glorious gift to lots of nieces & nephews in heaven. Go rest high on that mountain, Aunt Winifred. Thank you for being part of my family, part of my memories, and part of the legacy that I'm passing on to my children. Joseph Johnston jejtexas at hotmail"

Peggy Russe wrote on Jul 11, 2017:

"Russe Family, I am so sorry for your loss - Mother's are impossible to replace and Winnie will be greatly missed. "