Pauletta Kay Russell of White Grass, Arizona, passed away on October 31, 2026, at the age of 63. She was born on September 9, 1963, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, to Thelma Johnson and the late Paul Johnson Sr.

Pauletta was a faithful servant of the Lord, and her deep faith guided everything she did. She sang hymns anywhere and everywhere, attended camp meetings, and served wherever there was a need in the church. Her life verse was Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

She loved the outdoors, especially ranching and animals. She was known for her western and traditional attire, her elegant scarves, and her turquoise jewelry. She could spend endless hours at thrift stores and clearance racks, and she always found a treasure.

Pauletta was known for her generosity and selflessness, and she would literally give you the clothes off her back. Cooking was her love language. She delighted in feeding an army of people and never expected anything in return. She never came empty-handed to any celebration, always arriving with a gift or a dish to share. She was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed her.

She supported her children, grandchildren and extended family in everything they did, from church and sports to birthdays, graduations, and traditional Navajo celebrations. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her children, nieces, and nephews felt her embrace through her discipline, kindness, positivity, and sense of humor. She often reminded them to take care of their significant other and children, and she liked to say, “The best gift you can give to your kids is loving their mom.”

Pauletta is survived by her husband of 47 years, Keith Russell; her mother, Thelma Johnson; her children, Lyncia Russell, Donovan Russell, Melissa (Jackson) Yellow, Leatrice (Emmanuel) Tate, Marvin (Destinee) Russell, Sheridan (Nakisha) Russell, and Treavore (Kalci) Russell; 22 grandchildren; and her siblings, Ernest Johnson, Grace Johnson, Paul Johnson Jr., Thelma Lane, Paulinda Begay, and Paulesa John. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Johnson Sr., and her older brother, Spencer Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Black Mesa Bible Church. Burial and a reception will follow at the family plot in White Grass.

The family is extremely thankful for the prayers, sympathy and condolences shared during this very difficult time. Lastly, the family wants to express its deep gratitude for any monetary and floral donations. God bless you.