01/23/12
July 22, 1931 – Jan. 3, 2013
Russell D. Putney, 81, of Bend died at his winter home in Welton, Ariz. on Jan. 3, 2013.
He was born July 22, 1931, on the Putney homestead in Ward County, N.D., to Walter and Irene (Stredwick) Putney.
Mr. Putney moved to Sweet Home in 1951. He served in the Army during the Korean War, from 1952 to 1954, attending boot camp in Texas and then, after a 30-day furlough, shipping out to Korea for a year.
He married Leona Melson on Oct. 12, 1955.
The Putneys moved to Albany in 1957. Leona died in 1967, and Mr. Putney moved back to Sweet Home in 1970, then married Caroline Burdick on July 3, 1971. The Putneys relocated to Bend in 1979.
Mr. Putney was a truck driver and self-employed contractor for many years. He drove truck up until two years ago, when his doctor told him he was too old.
He loved to play golf and fish at Diamond Lake.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline; a daughter, Susan West of Sweet Home; a son, Kim Putney of Albany; brother Gary Putney of Oregon; sisters Marlene Dunmeyer, Caroline Care and Connie Shortreed, all of Sweet Home; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald, Darrell and Joe Putney; a sister, Janet; and stepson Steve Burdick.
In lieu of services, a celebration of life will be held next summer.