Valeria Rusnell

Valeria Ann Rusnell, 83, of Alba, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 12, 1943, in Star Township, the daughter of Carl and Virgie (Shoup) Olds.

Valeria graduated from Alba High School in 1961, and later that year, on September 9, she married the love of her life, Larry Rusnell. The pair started a family of their own, and Valeria took great care in raising their two girls at their home in Alba. She worked for a few local businesses over the years including Walkers Farm, Electrodesign, and K Bite, but taking care of her family brought her the most joy. Valeria was a lifelong member of the Alba Freedom Fellowship Church where she volunteered much of her time decorating, creating flower arrangements, cleaning, and was a dedicated communion steward.

Valeria loved the Lord first, but her family was a close second. She cherished each and every moment she was able to spend with them; she and Larry rarely missed a sporting event or special occasion for the grandchildren. She was a gifted vegetable gardener and looked forward to canning every year to preserve them for later or give them as gifts. She enjoyed traveling with family over the years to many other states, but the Grand Ole Opry was one of her most favorite places. She was also known to go on a little shopping spree every now and then, and she played the piano any chance she could. Her sweet and caring demeanor will be missed by a all who knew her, but her family rejoices in knowing she has been reunited with Jesus, and many family members who have passed before her.

Valeria is survived by her daughters Kellie (Kevin) McPhail of Bellaire, Karen (Mitch) Gates of Alba; grandchildren, Derek (Jayne) Gates of Hastings, MI, Jeremy (Meggan) Gates of Gaylord, Kristen (Corey) Russell of Traverse City, and Keegan (Beth) McPhail of Bellaire; great-grandchildren, Eva Gates, Jon Gates, Kaiden Gates, Jayden Gates, Bella Gates, Ally Gates, and Chet McPhail; her two sisters, Margaret Bock of Alba, and Lois VonSoosten of Eastport; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Rusnell; her parents, Carl and Virgie Olds; three brothers, Lloyd Olds, Clinton Olds, and Donald Olds; and two sisters, Donna Kooistra, and Cecile Woodward.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at Alba Freedom Fellowship with Judy Zimpfer officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 12:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alba Freedom Fellowship, PO Box 136, Alba, MI 49611.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com