Russel Frank Stickney Obituary (2023)

Russel Frank Stickney was born in Hazelton, North Dakota, on March 15, 1936, to Eldon and Bertha (Rooker) Stickney. Russel grew up with his older brother, Clifford, and a younger sister, Donna Mae. Coming from modest means, Russell had interests in running and music, excelling at both. Whether a formal race or just some kids making tracks on a dirt road, Russell always had the drive to win. Russel enlisted in the Army in March of 1955, where he performed many roles as a soldier, including repairing equipment, machinist, and even some time in the airborne division, making several jumps. He was honorably discharged in March of 1959. After his discharge, he moved to Moxee, Washington, where his mother and brother were living. Shortly after, he met his future wife, Deloris OConner. They were married on September 24, 1962, and Russel gained a son in Donny OConner. Russel worked for Tom Verhey with Harris Farms, at the turkey Ranch for several years. Russel and Deloris purchased their Moxee home in 1968, which was their home for the next 55 years. He also purchased an orchard with his longtime friend, Tuffy Barker, where they successfully raised apples and cattle. Russell was very musically inclined, playing both the accordion and organ, learning to play by ear and could play a song just by hearing it. In 1969, the racing bug hit Russel, who built his own car and took it to the track. In 1972, his brother, Clifford, joined the racing team. Clifford was a gifted mechanic that could make the car soar, and Russel had the grit to "drive it like he stole it" in every race. For five years, he raced every weekend he could with the help of so many generous sponsors who became lifelong friends. Truly a family affair, Clifford and his wife Colleen would load up the camper on a Friday night after work. Along with their children, Wes and Wanda, they would tow the race car to any track they could race at for the weekend. Russel and Deloris would be in tow, all prepped for the weekends excitement. Russel had an amazing career with so many wins, culminating in becoming the Northwest Champion in 1974 by virtue of finishing Champion at Yakima Speedway, Tri-Cities Raceway Champion, and 3rd at Monroe Raceway. He held several track records, including Yakima Speedway and Evergreen Speedway. Russell proved that "a guy who sits in the stands and watches auto racing, can build a car and come out and win." Tragically in 1975, Clifford and Colleen were killed in an auto accident, turning all their lives upside down. Russell, at the young age of 39, in the peak of his career, hung up his racing gear to put his family first. He moved out of his home and moved into Clifford and Colleens home to make sure there was a solid foundation for Wes and Wanda, who were just teenagers at the time. Selflessly, he took on the role of provider and watched over the orchards and properties for his brother, while also operating his own orchards. After he retired, Russel enjoyed driving to coffee with all his buddies at 6:30am, at the local McDonalds, for a couple hours to just visit and solve all the worlds problems. He was a very independent and self-sufficient man. He was able to do that until three weeks ago. Even though his niece and nephew were onto their own lives, he drove by their homes and their childrens homes every day to just make sure all was ok. He would call and visit about things happening in everyones lives. On September 30, 2023, Russel was honored to be the Grande Marshall as the 1974 Northwest Champion at the Tri Cities Raceway and was honored for all his years of amazing racing ability. His nephew, Wes, recreated a race car with his number 11 on it to honor him. It was truly a racecar. As he was chauffeured around the track by his longtime friend, Kevin Quesnell, with the wind in his hair and his hand out the window for four laps, the smile he had was proof this was his favorite day. After the race that day at dinner, he was asked if he enjoyed his ride around the track and he replied, "I could have done a few more laps and definitely could have gone faster." Russ was a quiet soul, but he sure loved the sound and speed of a good racecar. He will be greatly missed by his family for his quiet and caring manner. Rest easy, Russ. You did a great job making sure everyone is okay and had all they needed in life. Now you are in the car of your dreams making Nascar lefts with your brother in the pits and wife, son, sister, and sister-in-law watching from the stands as you zoom past. Russel is survived by his nephew, Wes Stickney, niece, Wanda (Les) Riel, Janet (Don) Smith, Jerry Carpenter, great-nieces, Amanda (John) Rentschler, Tana (Chase) Ainsworth, Chantelle, Erica, Cassandra and Chelsey, great-nephews, Dustin (Heather) Riel, Tom (Natalie) Riel. Russel is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Deloris Stickney, son, Donny OConner, sister, Donna Morehouse, brother, Clifford, and sister-in-law, Colleen Stickney. A Viewing will be held on Sunday December 10, 2023, from 4:00-6:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 West Prospect Rd., Moxee, WA 98936). A Funeral Service will be held on December 11, 2023, (to honor his car number 11), at 1:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. The family would like to thank the amazing team at Memorial Hospital and special thanks to the staff at The Cottage in the Meadow, for their care and kindness. The family would like to suggest in lieu of flowers, please make a donation payable to The Cottage in the Meadow and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Visitation Brookside Funeral Home Sunday, December 10, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936 Funeral Service Brookside Funeral Home Monday, December 11, 2023 1:00 PM 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936 Graveside Service Terrace Heights Memorial Park Monday, December 11, 2023 2:00 PM 3001 Terrace Heights Drive Yakima, WA 98901