Russell "Russ" L. Bellew, age 86, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Great Plains Health.

Russell was born September 2, 1938, in North Platte to Charles and Ethel (Newberry) Bellew.

Russ spent his childhood in North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School in 1956. Just a year later, Russell married the love of his life Marilyn Clark on November 2, 1957. To this Union was born their beloved children, Michael and Pam. Russ spent the next few years working various jobs as an auto mechanic, until he hired on at the Union Pacific Railroad as a diesel mechanic in 1969. There he had a successful and rewarding career until his retirement in 2000. He and his wife enjoyed retirement with annual trips to Arizona for the winter.

Russell was a man of tradition, never missing his Thursday luncheons with the Class of 1956 or his morning coffee at Arby's. He was also a man who knew the value of exercise, walking twice a day, once after each meal. In the colder months, he walked the mall. In the warmer months, he enjoyed the nature at Cody Park while his love enjoyed an ice cream cone. His grandchildren inherited his active nature, and he loved attending their sporting events and activities. He was their biggest fan and will be missed by each and every one of them.

Those left to cherish Russell's memory are his wife Marilyn Bellew; daughter Pam (Tim) Schaefer of Bertrand, NE; daughter-in-law Pam Bellew of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Lindsey (Joey) Robison of Bertrand, Ryan (Kerri) Bellew of North Platte, Jarrod Hird of Bertrand, Chelsey Dulle of Des Moine, IA, Tanner Bellew of North Platte, and Devin (Jalene) Oelke of Lincoln; great-grandchildren Harpor Jenkins, "Big" Ryan Robison, Maddie, Avery, Jayden, Brooklyn, Bella, and Lillian; and many more family and friends whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Ethel; son Michael Bellew; son-in-law Frank Snyder; 6 siblings; and brothers-in-law Larry Clark and Mel Qualls.

A book signing will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 9 to 5 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Family will be receiving friends and well-wishers on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #551. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is assisting family in arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for future designation.