Obituary
Shari Elizabeth Russell, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away tragically on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 54.
Early Life and Education
Shari Elizabeth (Stark) Russell was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 2, 1971, to Sharion Louise Billington and Leon Ronald Stark. After spending her first seven years in Salt Lake City, her family moved to Helena, Montana, where she became a proud graduate of Capital High School, Class of 1989. Shari continued her education at the University of Montana, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication in 1994. Following college, Shari returned to Helena and worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana for approximately nine years before dedicating her time to raising her three beautiful children.
Family, Passions, and Community
Shari met her future husband, Fred Russell, in Helena, May 1998, and they were married at Grizzly Gardens on July 1, 2000. The couple was blessed with three children: Derek, Kristin, and Shawn, and in 2010, the family moved to their current residence in Aurora, Colorado.
Shari's life was characterized by energy, love for the outdoors, and a profound sense of purpose. She was an avid hiker, enjoyed kick-boxing, and became a dedicated runner, completing multiple 5K, 10K races, and half marathons. When an injury sidelined her from running, Shari discovered her true calling in yoga. Over the last 12 years, she completed more than 500 hours of training, including a 300-hour advanced certification, and became an accomplished and well-respected yoga instructor in the community. She taught at numerous studios, most recently at Yoga 6 and Zone, and also shared her warmth and experience while working at the local YMCA. Her calming presence, love, and passion touched her students, friends, and most importantly, her family.
While her dedication to yoga was a powerful calling, Shari's greatest love and true accomplishment was her family. She provided a loving and wonderful home for her husband. She took immense pride in being the absolute best mother possible to her three amazing children, and extending her boundless compassion to the four beloved pups she rescued: Colter, Jager, Glacier, and Blake.
Survivors and Services
Shari is survived by her loving husband, Fred Russell, and their three children: Derek Russell (24), and twins Kristin Russell (20) and Shawn Russell (20).
She is also survived by her siblings, Stacee Seay, Shelley Jolley, and Steven Stark and his wife Stephanie Stark. She leaves behind nieces and nephews, including Erica Turnbow, Skylee Stark, and Shayden Stark.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Stark and Sharion Billington.
A Service to honor Shari will be held at EHills Church, located at 25511 E. Smokey Hill Rd, Aurora, CO 80016, on Friday, 19 December at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made for her children to the Shari Russell memorial fund, http://spot.fund/ShariRussellMemorialFund
Gallery
Memory wall
I will MISS you so much. I will miss our Wed *walk and talks* to catch up on life...
I will miss you guiding us in yoga. I miss your presence and your heart to heart hugs. You have touched so many of us in the yoga community. But for us it was more about friendship.. the easy going friendship that we shared. I love you my friend.
Until we meet again❤️
Sending my condolences to her family during such a hard time.
Love,
Kent & Mary Ann
I only had to go to Bama to find you. I remember you telling me that I made me your friend by always encouraging you to go out with me. Introvert vs Extrovert….and our precious Bama / DZ girls. The plans we were making. I miss you my sweet friend. I can’t wait to see you again. Your family is loved by us and we will be here …but dang it. Until we see each other at Heaven’s gate I will never forget you!
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Fred, Derek, Shawn, and Kristin during this unimaginably painful and heartbreaking time. You’re all in our thoughts, and we’re sending love, comfort, and strength as you navigate this devastating loss.
Our deepest sympathy,
I know you will find peace as you return to creator and are welcomed with the joy you welcomed us with.
Eternally sending all my love to you, your family and everyone you transformed as it was a privilege to know such an incredible being as you.
Your warmth, your light, and the peace you brought to everyone around you will never be forgotten.
You will be deeply missed.
Rest in peace. Love you, Shari
It is impossible to quantify the immense joy and peace you brought to our community. The comforting feeling of your warm hugs and the beautiful energy you used to uplift our souls will remain with me always. I will truly miss those gentle, comforting & grounding tugs at the end of class, but most of all, your beautiful smile and kind heart. Thank you for teaching us how to breathe and be present. I will miss you today and every single day. Rest in peace, dearest Shari. I love you.
With deepest love and gratitude.
Your gentle guidance helped us find strength, stillness and deeper connection within ourselves. Your warm hugs will be missed dearly! May you rest in peaceful serenity! 🙏🏼
Your light shines bright in our hearts. Your yoga classes were a sanctuary, and your hugs made us feel so loved. We'll cherish the memories of your warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit. Rest in peace, dear one. 🙏
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