Her Life… Margaret Helen "Peg" Russell was born March 13th, 1935 in New York, New York.. She was lovingly raised by William and Emma Debold in the Bronx neighborhood of Throggs Neck where she attended Parochial School until the family moved to Oroville, California in 1949 when Peg was 14 years old.
Once in California, Peg would meet her future husband, Bud, at an ice cream social held by close mutual friends Jack and Joanne Powell of Thermalito. It was a very successful introduction as the couple were soon married in Reno, NV on July 4, 1952, with the marriage blessed at St. Thomas Parish Catholic Church. They would go on to build a house, a home, a life, and a family together during their 67 years of loving matrimony in Oroville.
After graduating from Oroville High School, Peg began her career as a medical secretary in 1953. Working for the private practice of Dr. Eugene Abts and at the Oroville Medical Center, she retired in 2000 after spending 47 years in the medical field. In her profession, she developed many lasting relationships with both staff and patients while providing care to the Oroville community.
Her faith and the Catholic Church were cornerstones of life for Peg. She was an active member of the St. Thomas Parish for 76 years. She took an active role with the Altar Society and several other church organizations. As a Eucharstic Minister she would bring communion to those unable to attend mass.
Family was of paramount importance in her life. With their young children, Bud and Peg took special summer vacation trips all across the state. Once they became “empty nesters”, Bud and Peg would still frequently host family events and holidays, bringing loved ones back home and under their roof.
Later in life, the couple would take up traveling and toured extensively: Ireland, The Caribbean, New England’s fall colors, Alaska, Missouri, and local favorites Tahoe and Fort Bragg.
Her Legacy... Peg is survived by daughter Deborah and her husband Ross Powell; son Robert and his wife Jennifer Russell; grandchildren: Brandon and his wife Alicia Powell, Jessica Aboytes, Megan Russelll; and great grandchildren Theo, Julian, Bella, and Jayde. She also leaves behind beloved "chosen family" and neighbors of 72 years Judy McInturf (husband Hack and son Jeff, deceased), Lynn McInturf Root and her son Zachary. Her husband Bud passed before her in 2019.
Her Farewell Service… Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday,January 14th at 11:00 AM at St Thomas Catholic Church, 1330 Bird St. Oroville, California Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5646 Lincoln Blvd. Oroville, California.On Tuesday January 13th there will be a Rosary and Visitation at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson St. Oroville, 6pm till 8pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity in Peg’s name would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.
Her Life… Margaret Helen "Peg" Russell was born March 13th, 1935 in New York, New York.. She was lovingly raised by William and Emma Debold in the Bronx neighborhood of Throggs Neck where she attended Parochial School until the family moved to Oroville, California in 1949 when Peg was 14 years old.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ramsey Funeral Home
1175 Robinson Street Oroville, CA 95965
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
St. Thomas Catholic Church
1330 Bird Street Oroville, CA 95965