Obituary of Russell J. Stratton

Russell J. Stratton, age 86 of rural Swisher died Monday, March 1, 2004, at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Cedar Rapids following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 4, 2004, at the Oxford United Methodist Church with the Reverend Diane Townsley officiating. Burial will be at the Oxford Cemetery. Visitation will be after 10:00 a.m. until services at the church on Thursday. A memorial fund has been established in Russ’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for Russ’s family through our website @www.gayandciha.com. Russell James Stratton was born August 15, 1917, in Oxford the son of Milo and Mary (Yenter) Stratton. On June 24, 1949, he married Ruby J. Anderson in Rochester, Minnesota. The couple farmed for many years near Swisher, with his family continuing this today. Russ was a member of the Farm Bureau. A true farmer who loved the land, he appreciated the fruits of his hard work. Only his family meant more to him than farming, especially when the grandchildren were born, he so loved being with them. His family includes his wife, Ruby; daughter and her husband, Delphine and Christopher Diekman of Swisher; son and his wife, James and Lori Stratton of Swisher; grandchildren, Amy and her husband, Adam Calonder, Amber, Amanda and Jake Stratton, and Travis and Lucas Terpkosh; brother and his wife, Ray and Betty Stratton of Oxford, and sister, Rosemary Coblentz of Oxford. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jack Stratton; and brother-in-law, Dave Coblentz. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Iowa City is caring for Russ’s family and his services.