Russell was born December 11, 1938, in Price, Carbon County, Utah to Clinton Irvin and Ruby Peck Gerber. Russell was the oldest of nine children. His growing up years were spent in Wellington, UT and were full of hard work and many lessons. His parents instilled in him a solid work ethic and a love for farming.

After graduating from Lehi High School, Russell attended Brigham Young University, where he met his eternal sweetheart, JoAn Marie Peterson. They were married on February 4, 1959 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Russell and JoAn eventually settled in Highland, Utah, where they built their home and started a small farm. They were blessed with four children: Tamra, Kristine, Nathan, and Sarah. He and his family lived in Highland for forty years, after which he and JoAn sold the farm and built a home in Lehi, UT.

Russell is survived by his wife, JoAn Gerber of Lehi; his son, Nathan (Janelle) Gerber, of Pleasant Grove; his daughter, Sarah (Brad) Legge, of Fishers, Indiana; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many friends. He is also survived by his siblings: Deanna, Preston, Max, Sherri, David, Scott, and Allen. He is preceded in death by his parents, two daughters (Tamra and Kristine), and by his sister, Doris.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 29th at the Cedar Hollow 2nd Ward LDS chapel at 2178 North 1200 East in Lehi, Utah at 12:00pm. There will be a viewing prior to the funeral, beginning at 10:00am.

Russell's family would like to extend a special thank you to Nurses Sherri and Torrie, and to all of the wonderful staff at Dignity Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care and service to Russell.