Rachelle Bautista Russell

RACHELLE B. RUSSELL

Rachelle B. Russell passed away on April 1, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born December 5, 1964 in the Philippines, she grew up in Los Angeles and then lived in

Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas for most of her professional life. She had two highly

fulfilling careers, first as a Flight Attendant with Pan Am and then United Airlines, and then

for nearly twenty years more with the U.S. Department of Justice/DEA as a

Telecommunications Specialist.

Rachelle was an extraordinary person in every way, full of energy and positivity, and her

vibrant enthusiasm was unmistakable everywhere she went. She devoted time every day

to her family while working tirelessly in her impressive careers. Everyone she knew looked

to her for support, camaraderie, and making the absolute best of every opportunity ever

encountered. There was literally nothing in life she couldn’t take on with her never-ending

can-do attitude, and all of us were immensely greater for having her in our lives.

She also loved animals, giving her heart and efforts to a number of rescue dogs over the

years along with elephants in Nepal and elk in Alaska, and we will be establishing the

Rachelle Russell Animal Foundation in her honor so her legacy can continue in perpetuity.

Rachelle is survived by her husband Cliff, Father and Mother Ted and Teresita, and Brothers

Ramon and Rummel. Services will be held at Forest Lawn, Hollywood, on May 2nd 2026,

from 1230pm-4pm with Catholic Mass commencing at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations

to Rachelle’s Animal Foundation are encouraged with details for her foundation

forthcoming at the Service and in updates to this Tribute.