Blair Thompson Russell started dancing at the age of three under the guiding hand of Charlotte Lyke. For fifteen years she graced the Bartlesville Community Center stage in Civic Ballet's spring performances and the annual production of "The Nutcracker". She danced such roles as baby angel, toy under the tree, child, soldier, big rat, rat King, Harlequin, Maid, as well as Snow, Waltz of the Flowers, and Spanish, to name a few. Her favorite role was Gypsy dance in Arvola's 'Dracula'.

   Blair was the oldest of six children to Brian and Krista Thompson, and grew up in Bartlesville where she graduated from Bartlesville High School. Following high school, where she was National Merit Scholar, she graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors' Degree in public relations, and was listed on the Dean's Honor Roll.

   Blair married Travis Charles Russell in 2005. The couple made their home in Germantown, MD where she worked for the United Way of Washington, DC and the Rockville, MD school system. Blair was active in numerous church, school, and social charities. Blair was in correspondence at the time of her death with a dance studio in her hometown hoping to pass on to the next generation her joy and passion for dance

   Blair led a life full of what she believed in - beauty, grace, excellence, learning, and sharing. She will be missed. A scholarship has been established in her honor through the Bartlesville Community Foundation.

                       Blair Thompson Russell

1982 - 2006

From stories of mermaids read in the night,

To visions of dances, resembling flight.

The joy of a spirit so wondrously shared,

Of love and grace often to an angel compared.

Though by her Father she has been called home,

Through His love she has not left us alone.

Memories of a lifetime of love, beauty, and grace,

Brought to mind by the feel of the wind in my face.

                                                                 -Jim Elliott