1942-2026
Russell "Russ" Elvin Heller, 84, of Arkansas City, KS, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, August 24, 2026, at his home.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Ark City. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Angels in the Attic; donations may be left in the care of the funeral home.
Russell was born on August 5, 1942, in Kansas City, KS. He graduated from Mulvane High School and joined the Marine Corps. Russ worked at Cessna, building instrument panels for private jets. He was a pilot and gave flight lessons, as he so loved to fly! Russell married the love of his life, Carol Coyan, on June 10, 2000, in Goddard, KS. He was a proud Harley-Davidson owner and a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group. Russ was an avid artist and musician, playing both guitar and harmonica, and loved building his train sets.
Russell is survived by his wife, children Dana Ayala (Carlos), Brenda Foster (Jeff), Russell "Dean" Heller (Michelle), Justin McBee (Chrissy), Clayton McBee (Libbi), and Alisa McBee, grandchildren Alexandra, Chloe, Cameron, Nathan, Kaitlyn, Rebecca, Jessica, LeAnna, Christopher, Kalieb, Lisa, Kimber, Joslyn, and Peyton, and 7 great-grandchildren, brother Ken Heller, and dog Rudy.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Carol Jean Heller.
