Bert Russell was raised in Watonga, Oklahoma, by his parents, George and Judy Russell. He has four brothers and one sister. Bert graduated from Watonga High School in 1974. Gerri (Farmer) Russell grew up in Buffalo, Oklahoma, with her parents, Doy and Dovie Farmer. She has one brother and one sister and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1977.
After high school, Bert attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Gerri went to Oklahoma Baptist University and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Elementary Education. Bert worked at Russell Auto Parts until he was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for one term. After marrying Gerri, he moved to Hennessey and worked for PIC and Hanor for 31 years. He retired in November 2024.
In August 1981, Gerri began teaching first grade at Hennessey Elementary School on Main Street. After the school relocated from the old building to the current elementary school, Gerri has remained in the same classroom, teaching first grade since 1982. She plans to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, culminating an impressive 44 years of teaching in Hennessey.
Bert and Gerri were married in July 1989 and have been together for 36 years. They have two children who graduated from Hennessey High School: Greyson Russell and Madison Russell Breschini. Bert enjoys golfing, watching old movies, and running the scoreboard for high school sports. Gerri loves attending Hennessey High School sporting events, crafting, raising chickens, traveling, and going on mission trips, most recently to Budapest, Hungary.
Bert and Gerri are a loving couple, not only to each other and their family but also to the Hennessey community. They are always smiling, willing to help, and see the best in people. The Hennessey community and school are privileged to have Bert and Gerri Russell. AAH Shelley Muzny
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