HR1455 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1455 LRB099 23793 GRL 51311 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Walter Leon Russell and Janet Ann Russell on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of their company, Russell Oil Company-ROC One Stop, in November of 2016 and their 60th wedding anniversary on December 23, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Leon and Janet Russell met at World Burger at Fort Smith, where Janet worked during high school and Leon was stationed at Fort Chaffee; they were married on December 23, 1956 at the family home of Earl and Eva Crouch in Fort Smith, Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, After getting married, Leon and Janet Russell moved to Leon's hometown of Galatia and started a family and farming; during this period, Leon earned his bachelor's degree in forestry at Southern Illinois University Carbondale; after graduation, Leon worked in forestry in Illinois, Oregon, and Indiana; he also worked for Dolly Madison Furniture in Alabama and Indiana; and

WHEREAS, In November of 1971, Leon and Janet Russell purchased a store in Galatia which offered gas, groceries, and minor auto repairs; the store had an apartment where they and their children lived for several years; over the years, the company grew and now consists of locations throughout southern Illinois; they and their children Mary and Jonathan operate the ROC One Stop chain of convenience stores (14 locations), Harrisburg Furniture, Eldorado Hardware, Eldorado Spirits, Downtown Auto Sales/Piney Woods Cabins, and ROC Rentals; Janet has always been active in the business in addition to raising her children, teaching Sunday school, gardening, and participating in various civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, Leon and Janet Russell have four children, James Russell (deceased), Mary Beth Finley, Susan Oxford, and Jonathan Russell; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Leon and Janet Russell serve as models of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Walter Leon Russell and Janet Ann Russell on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of their company and their 60th wedding anniversary and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Leon and Janet Russell as a symbol of our esteem and respect.