VILLA GROVE - Rebecca "Becky" Russell, 77, passed away Monday (March 24, 2025) at her home in Villa Grove.She was known among family and friends as a spirited warrior who fought a many years long battle with cancer. That courageous battle was reflective of Becky's fighting spirit, as she was a woman of incredible energy and strength throughout her life.Becky was raised in a large family with three siblings and a sizeable number of aunts, uncles and cousins. Becky's uncles referred to her as "Buzzbomb" because of her wonderful, spirited nature and her boundless energy. She was deeply loved by all.Becky was the daughter of Robert "Bob" and Eileen Allen of Newman. She was born on Feb. 22, 1948. Becky attended the Newman elementary and high schools and was friends with everyone in her Class of 1966, and remained in contact with several of those childhood friends throughout her life.After graduating from high school, Becky started working a full-time job at the University of Illinois, but

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/rebecca-russell-obituary?id=57992676