Katie S. Russell, MSN, RN, CPNP, of Castroville, Texas, entered into rest on Monday, January 7, 2019 at the age of 38. She was born July 12, 1980, in San Antonio, the daughter of Steve and Betsy (Speer) Keller.
Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Psychology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2003 and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2007 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She became certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board in 2007 and was licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the state of Texas.
She served on the board of the South Texas Alamo Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She was also an item writer for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board Pharmacology Updates Committee, as well as a member of Texas Nurse Practitioners and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In July of 2017, Katie founded Medina Valley Pediatrics in order to serve the communities of Castroville and surrounding areas, which she loved so dearly. Since opening her practice, she became involved with the Medina Valley ISD Coordinated School Health Advisory Council.
Katie married Justin Russell on July 21, 2001, and became a mother to Jordyn in 2008 and Jiliana in 2011. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them.
She was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Castroville. She loved worshiping God and led Sunday School and small groups with her husband, and also served as the outreach coordinator for many years, leading people to Christ and helping many strengthen their relationship with the Lord.
Katie loved to travel and cherished the memories made on vacations with family and friends, including many trips to Walt Disney World and the ski slopes.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Joe Keller, Jack Speer and Betty Speer; aunt, Jacque Speer; and nephew, Grayson Russell. Katie is survived by her husband of 18 years, Justin Russell; two daughters, Jordyn and Jiliana; parents, Steve and Betsy Keller; sister, Kristen Hohn (Josh); grandmother, Peggy Keller; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mark and Janis Russell; brother-in-law, Mack Russell (Amy); sister-in-law, Jenny Rogers (Chris); nephews, Marcus and Zachary Russell, and Bryce and Trent Hohn; as well as numerous other loving family and friends.
A visitation was scheduled for Sunday, January 13, 2019 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Castroville, TX. A Celebration of Katie’s life was held Monday, January 14, 2019 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of Castroville. Interment followed at Salem Sayers Cemetery in Adkins, TX.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jordyn and Jiliana Russell Education Fund at Security State Bank South Texas in Castroville.
A memorial scholarship has also been established by the Texas Nurse Practitioner Foundation to honor Katie’s legacy. Donations can be mailed to TNPF 4425 S. Mopac Expressway, Building 3, Suite 405 Austin TX 78735 with a memo for Katie Russell Memorial Scholarship Fund, or may be made online at https://tnp.givingfuel.com/katie-russell-memorial-scholarship-fund.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.