SANTA MARIA - Many fans might remember Jane Russell as beautiful, buxom, and censored.
"The Outlaw was a movie that was outlawed in the U.S. for 4 years," says Russell's daughter-in-law Etta Waterfield.
But to her children, she was no movie star, she was mom.
"It was no different then when I'd go to a friend's house. I'd see the same things at their house as mine," recalls Russell's son Buck Waterfield.
Buck, and Jane's two other children, were by her side when she died at her home in Santa Maria Monday.
That is how she wanted it.
Her daughter-in-law Etta was there too.
"When we mourn, we mourn because she's not with us anymore and we rejoice at the same time because we know exactly where she is," says Etta.
Jane Russell was devoted to God... and to children.
Her three children were adopted and she made sure all children had the same chance.
"She went to Congress. She went to The President and she enabled us to be able to adopt children from other countries," says Buck.
An advocate... a mom... and a reluctant star.
In death, her son struggles to summarize everything that his mom was to everyone.
"It's a tough one, to sum it up in just a few short words. Her life was so large."
Her life... and her ability to love.
"Her heart was as huge as this universe."
Jane Russell was 89 years old.
A public service has been set for Saturday March 12th at 11:00 a.m., at the Pacific Christian Church in Santa Maria.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Honor of Jane Russell to:
Care Net Pregnancy & Resource Center
121 W. Battles
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Or
CASA of Santa Barbara County
120 E. Jones Street, Ste. 130
Santa Maria, CA 93454
www.sbcasa.org (on-line donations)
