Malena Russell passed away on July 21, 2024 at the age of 49, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Malena was born in Banning, Calif. on September 22, 1974 to her parents Bette Rosamond and Dave Kindley. Malena grew up in Eureka, where she loved to be outdoors with her two brothers, David and Willis. You could also always find Malena at her dad’s woodworking Shop, Kindley’s Burl. Family was Malena’s core value even as a child.

Malena went on to attend Eureka High School. During her junior year she met the love of her life, James Russell. Shortly after graduating Malena gave birth to their daughter, Holley, on Halloween of 1993. Not long after she gave birth to her son, Cody, May 26, 1997. Being a mom came easy to Malena. She made sure she gave her children a beautiful and loving childhood, and taught them strong family values. Her greatest joy, though, was becoming a “Mimi” to her seven grandchildren: Cadance, Kinsley, Gabriella, Swasey, Winslow, Arlo and Malinda.

Malena was not only a selfless and caring mother, but also human. Malena worked as a caregiver at many local facilities, some of which include: Adult Day Health Care, Humboldt County Adult Rehabilitation and Idaho State Mental Institution. She had a passion for helping others, which speaks strongly to her character and who she was as a person. She was always putting others before herself.

Malena was an amazing human, who always had a smile on her face and a joke ready. She loved making the people around her laugh, and feel loved/appreciated. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

Malena will be missed dearly by her husband James Russell, daughter Holley Stevenson (husband Trent Stevenson, and grandchildren Winslow & Kinsley Stevenson, Cadance Biane.) son Cody Russell (wife Olivia Smith, grandchildren Gabriella, Swasey, Malinda Russell, & Arlo Smith), brothers David and Willis Kindley, mother Bette Kindley, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and extended family.

Malena is preceded in death by her father Dave Kindley, grandparents Elmer and Doris Kindley, and sister-in-law Glenna Kindley.

She was interred in Eureka. Her celebration of life will be held on September 14 at the Portuguese Hall in Arcata. If you would like to be invited, please reach out to the family directly for specific information. The family is asking for everyone to please pray for them during this tragic time.

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