Roanne and Russ were both raised in small towns in central Connecticut, an area south of Hartford. Roanne was born in Connecticut and Russ was born in New York City. They have lived in Connecticut, Alaska, California and Washington. Roanne is one of nine children who live in various states. Russ has a brother and sister who live in Connecticut.
Roanne and Russ have attended ELCA Lutheran and Episcopal churches in Washington and California. They bought the former parsonage for Our Savior ELCA Lutheran Church in Sunnyside, WA from the retired pastor Ron Jetter and his wife Sue. They had a one-minute walk to church! Roanne and Russ attended the combined churches of St. Paul’s Episcopal and Shepherd of the Desert ELCA Lutheran in Barstow, CA. They described this merger as, “A wonderful combination. We referred to ourselves as Lutherpalians.”
Both Russ and Roanne retired in 2018. They both do a lot of volunteer work in their 55+ community of Colonial Estates in Olympia, on the border of Lacey. Russ walks home from Church on the Chehalis Western Trail.
The couple have two sons, Mark and Paul. Mark lives in Santa Barbara with his significant other, Rebecca. Becca is in the “home stretch” of her doctorate in English Literature at the University of California Santa Barbara. Mark works for UCSB. Their younger son Paul lives in Southeast Portland, OR. He is a software engineer who works from home.
They both enjoy serving their community as volunteers. Roanne especially enjoys cooking for others and reading. Russ enjoys working out at the gym and golfing.
When asked what St. Mark could do to help them feel comfortable, Roanne and Russ advised, “Continue what you already do, which is making people feel welcome and comfortable. We felt right at home immediately. It is a wonderful church filled with dedicated people who share our values.”
The picture Roanne and Russ shared was taken with their Pastor/Priest Mary Tororeiy, in Barstow, CA. She is originally from Kenya.
Now that you know a bit more about these new members, please continue making Roanne and Russ feel welcome!