Melodie Mary Russ

MELODIE MARY RUSS (nee Thompson), age 82; beloved wife of the late James; loving mother of Melanie “Lanie” Mary Rinzel (Dan), Deborah Russ (Francisco Gomez) and James (Emily); devoted grandma of Marguerite “Maggie” Mary and Coralie; daughter of the late Jerome and Marguerite Mary Thompson (nee Kramer); sister of Jerome “Butch” Thompson (deceased), Hope Thompson (Jerry Algeo, deceased), Jeffrey Thompson; loving aunt to Melissa Algeo and Josh Robert Thompson. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and the many friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, kindness, and love.

Melodie grew up on Cleveland’s East Side and spent many happy days in Cleveland Heights, and after attending Regina High School, she went on to Bowling Green College. She met and married the love of her life, James, in nearby Cleveland, whose work later took their family to New Jersey. Melodie’s love of the arts began early, and she brought it with her to New Jersey. A gifted singer, she was featured several times in The Plain Dealer, and appeared on television. Though she performed in many shows, her true love was the stage, and she spoke especially fondly of Deflouter Mouse. Music and the arts remained a cherished part of her life throughout the years, and in New Jersey she deeply enjoyed sharing her love of music, singing as a soloist and bringing her beautiful voice to the community. 

After her husband’s passing, Melodie returned to Cleveland with her three children and made a home on the West Side. With determination and a deep commitment to caring for others, she put herself through Fairview School of Nursing and earned her RN. She later served as Director of Nursing for 888 OhioComp. Her greatest pride, however, was always being a mother. She devoted herself to her children and to all those fortunate enough to experience her kindness, generosity, and the love she carried in her heart. Please join us to remember her in love.

The family is accepting flowers or a donation to Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Association and/or Marianist Mission www.marianist.com.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Columbkille Church, 6740 Broadview Rd., Monday October 19, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Final resting place Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends will be received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), SUNDAY 2-6 P.M. with the North East Ohio Nurse Honor Guard doing a Florence Nightingale Tribute at 5:30 p.m.