Russell Garfield Easter

Russell Garfield Easter passed away peacefully on Saturday February 7, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on November 10, 1942, in Hamilton, Ohio, to James R. Easter and Esther M. (Corbin) Easter.

Russell graduated from Fairfield High School in 1960. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on Social Studies from the Ohio State University and later completed his master’s degree in counseling at Xavier University. He began his teaching career at Lakota High School before spending many years at Ross High School as a history teacher and guidance counselor, retiring in 1997. Outside of the classroom, Russell was active in 4-H, first as a member and later as a youth leader, a role he greatly valued.

After retiring from education, Russell stayed busy making floral deliveries for Max Stacy Flowers in Hamilton, a job he truly enjoyed. He worked there for 20 years before retiring again in 2019.

Russell loved attending local auctions and was an enthusiastic traveler, proudly visiting all 50 U.S. states along with several foreign countries. A lifelong history lover, he enjoyed collecting historical books and local artifacts from Butler County.

He is survived by his son, Dennis (Kim) Easter of Fernandina Beach, Florida; his grandchildren, Hannah Easter of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Benjamin Easter of Washington, D.C.; his nephew, Michael (Theresa) Mahlerwein and family of Oxford, Ohio; his nephew, Richard (Colette) Mahlerwein and family of Three Lakes, Wisconsin; and his niece, Amy (Mark) Bulach and family of Camden, Ohio.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Linda (Easter) Vogt; and his beloved animals, Ally, his black Labrador of 20 years, and Mr. Piggy, his 21-year-old pot-bellied pig.

Russell will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery beside his parents and sister. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.avancefuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to:

Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue (17250 Old Frederick Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 or gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.org)

or

Animal Friends Humane Society (1820 Princeton Road, Hamilton, OH 45011 or animalfriendshs.org)