Norma Russ

Norma L. Russ, age 87, of Dover, died peacefully, Monday, January 26, 2026, while in Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia following a period of declining health.

Born in Canton on March 4, 1938, Norma was a daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Floom) Hinkel. On April 28, 1962, she married Larry Russ, and together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage before his passing in March of 2024.

She was a 1956 graduate of St. Joseph High School and then continued her education at Mercy School of Nursing where she earned her Registered Nurse degree. She continued her education at Walsh University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in nursing, and then Ashland University where she obtained her Masters of Business Administration.

Norma served as the Chief Nursing Officer for Alliance Community Hospital for many years. She retired from her full-time position in 2003. She was active in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Adult and Funeral Choir for many years. Norma was also a long-time member of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center board.

Norma and her husband Larry spent their retirement traveling in an RV. They were proud to have visited every state in the union and over half of Canada.

She is survived by her sons, James (Sharon) Russ of Waynesburg, Thomas (Dee) Russ of Massillon, and John (Karyn) Russ of North Canton; grandchildren, Daniel Boyle, Amy (Joseph) Michel, Jessica (Daniel) Pelegrene, Gabriel Russ, Elizabeth Russ, Gideon Russ, Jonah Russ, and Dalton Thewes; great-grandchildren, Lucy, and Dominic; sisters, June Oesterling, Ann Mroczkowski, and Teresa Hinkel; brothers Bill Hinkel, and Joesph Hinkel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband Larry, she was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel K. Hinkel who was killed in Vietnam.

The family will greet guests on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Home at Dover. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Jimmy Hatfield on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover. Burial will be held at 2:30 PM in Calvary Cemetery at Massillon.