Althea Rena Russell

Althea Rena (Burgard) Russell, 51, of Sheridan, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 14th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Althea was born on November 18, 1973 in Rushville, Illinois to Jerry Burgard and Thyra Nichols. She grew up around the Kankakee area and was a member of the Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene. She attended the Olivet Nazerene University for Nursing and would go on to be a registered nurse for several area hospitals and agencies. 

She had a caring heart and would always be there for family and friends. Althea was considered a loving mother, sister, and aunt who will be missed by her family and friends.

The list of survivors who will remember Althea is far too long for this obituary and we will do our best to carry her memory forward through those closest to her. This starts with her beloved husband, Todd. Her sons, Ayden and Cailen. Her parents and three surviving siblings/spouses. The siblings are Chris Burgard and his wife Laurie Burgard of Manteno, Keith Burgard and his late husband Charles Allman-Burgard of Chicago, and Jennifer Hanouw and her husband Tim Hanouw of Sheridan, Illinois. 

In life, we get two families, one we are born into and the one we create. Althea first helped to create the “Cool Mom” for Makenzie Hemmingsen who grew up and participated in family events and trips. Also included in the mix are two exchange students turned adopted children now adults in their own right. The first is Carmen Ibraim from Moldova, and the second is Emma Roggenbuck from Germany. These two were so proud to have Althea as their American Mom as she inspired them to achieve more back in their home countries. 

If Althea touched your life and you’d like to remember her with friends and family, reach out to her husband Todd to coordinate a time and place. Per her wishes, her remains will be with the family until Todd passes, and they can rest together at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with Todd’s Veteran status.

To Althea from Todd, 

We got to do so much together, but there was so much more left undone. You were taken way too soon from your dreams and ambitions. You wanted to live and fought like a warrior with every ounce of spite for the diagnosis of Stage 4 Breast Cancer. The last couple years had been a roller coaster with treatments and continuous pain, but I felt honored to be by your side. The boys and I will continue to love you and know that their mother will always be there in their hearts forever. Till we meet again in the afterlife…

Your Best Friend and Loving Husband, Todd.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 12:00 - 3:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com