Grace Russo

Grace Marie Russo, 104, passed away on December 29, 2025 at EveryStep Kavanagh House. She was born October 13, 1921, in Des Moines to Luigi and Liberata (Collo) Cariglino. Living 104 years, Grace experienced a lifetime rich with remarkable change and extraordinary history.

She was a lifelong southsider, attending St. Anthony Catholic School and graduating from Lincoln High School in 1941. In 1942, she married the love of her life, Charles A. Russo Sr. She enjoyed doting on him and loved their many travels. Charles, being a WWII pilot, once let Grace fly a plane, which had been a goal of hers since high school. She loved making pasta and feeding her guests. The first thing she would ask when anyone who came to her home was, “would you like something to eat?” Grace enjoyed a nice glass of wine or a martini from time to time. She loved cats and was notorious for taking in strays. Grace also enjoyed reading. She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Grace is survived by her son, Charles (Glenda) Russo Jr.; daughters, Christine Jaspers and Connie (Mike) Tell; grandchildren, Tony (Bo) Russo, Libby (Tom) Lanning, Gina (Jeff) Rutherford, Vanessa (Josh) Collier, Joseph (Heather) Tell and Michelle (Terry) Hurlburt; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joseph and Alfonzo Cariglino; sisters, Mary Lester and Rosie Hall; her loving husband, Charles Russo Sr.; daughter, Caroline; and her grandson, Jeffrey Hines.

The family will greet friends Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 9th at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street. Grace will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or EveryStep Kavanagh House in loving memory of Grace.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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