WEST FRANKFORT – Carolyn Sue Russell, 88, of West Frankfort, died at 12:25 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Herrin Hospital.

She was born Aug. 1, 1937, in West Frankfort, the daughter of Frank and Carolina (Ballotti) Yattoni. She was a devout, lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church in West Frankfort.

Russell was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame football and the EWTN television network.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, William Mark “Billy” Russell; three brothers: Guy, Frank Jr. and John Yattoni; and two sisters, Mary Lou Cook and Tange Colvin.

Survivors include a son, Chris Russell; three daughters: Robin Melvin (Luther Bangs), Dorothy (Joe) Ruzich and Karen Drage; a daughter-in-law, Amy Russell; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church in West Frankfort, with the Rev. Dr. Eusebius Mbidoaka officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in West Frankfort.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home prior to departure for the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Catholic School or St. John’s Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.