Priscilla Dean Russell Laird

Priscilla Dean Russell Laird, 92, of Billings, passed away on Dec. 8, 2023.

She was born on Oct. 20, 1931, the daughter of Minerva Bonlyn Bowen and Charles Vernell “Curly” Russell in Willow Lake, South Dakota. Priscilla spent most of her youth in Miles City, punctuated by a period during the War when her family lived in many towns across the West and Midwest. She returned to Miles City for high school and junior college. Priscilla loved cowboys, rodeos and dancing, especially with her best partner of 61 years, Walt.

A proud Griz, Priscilla received her bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Montana. After she and Walt married, they started their family in Missoula and Conrad before settling in Billings. Priscilla returned to school for an education degree at Eastern Montana College and taught kindergarten for over 20 years. She loved giving young students a great first impression of school, making it fun to learn.

Priscilla had an eye for beauty, and she enjoyed decorating her home, gardening and getting dressed up. She loved to host parties and gather friends for special times. Her teacher friends, the Golf crew, her Delta Kappa Gamma sisters, Sow and Grow Garden Club mates, and Bible study at First Pres all meant so much to her.

Priscilla is predeceased by her husband, Walt; and her parents, Minerva and Curly. She leaves behind her beloved sisters, Patricia and Rosalind; her children, Mike (Linea), Trish (Stephen), and Lisa; her grandchildren, Erin (Chris), Kristin (Blake), Colin (Nancy), Daniel (Grace), and Sean (Estefania) and four great-grandchildren who delighted her in recent months. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the DKG Alpha Alpha Scholarship fund or to the University of Montana would be met with gratitude. A memorial gathering will be held in late Spring. For more details, please join the Facebook group “Friends of Priscilla.”