Beth Ellen Russell, 56, of Paducah, passed away at Mercy Health Lourdes on December 17, 2025, in Paducah, KY. She was born on January 8, 1969, in Kuttawa, KY, to the late Clarence Duff and Wanda Joyce Tidwell.
Beth’s career reflected the breadth of her talents and interests. Through her work as a waitress, social worker, and licensed insurance agent, she demonstrated her many abilities and her enduring commitment to helping others. That same spirit of service carried into her volunteer work with the First Baptist Church in Wickliffe and Scouting America, where she was known for her delicious cooking and baking. Beth cherished time spent playing word games and Monopoly with family and friends, and as a lover of literature, she found both solace and adventure in the pages of books.Beth’s love of cooking was legendary, and her delectable dishes were often the highlight of family and community gatherings. Any kitchen she was in became a place of laughter, storytelling, and cherished memories. Known as “Mom to All,” Beth extended her nurturing spirit far beyond her own family, offering care and a listening ear to anyone in need.
Her colleagues found in Beth not only a reliable coworker, but a true friend. Fierce, loyal, and protective, she endured hardships and made many sacrifices to care for those she loved, leaving a lasting impact on every relationship.
Beth is survived by her three daughters, Cynthia E. Dotson, Angelia Jade Dotson, and Desiray Joy Dotson, all of Paducah; her two sons, Robert “Alex” Russell and Kai Smith both of Paducah; two sisters, June Hall and Pam Duff; two brothers, Wayne Duff and Matt Duff; her chosen sister, Paula Knight; her three grandchildren, Elijah Jones, Mickeal Hendricks, and Thomas Hendricks along with several nieces and nephews.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert A. Russell, and a brother, Mark Duff.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah are in charge of all arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Easterseals West Kentucky https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eastersealswestkentucky.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
