Russell ' Russ' Rux

Funeral Services for Russell "Russ" Rux will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2015 at Gillette Memorial Chapel in Gillette, Wyoming, with Mary Millett officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Russell Dean Rux, 57, passed away of natural causes on Sunday, January 4, 2015. Russ was born on March 26th 1957 in Leadville, Colorado to Ralph David Rux and Connie Jean Carlson. The Rux family moved around a great deal, living in many towns in Colorado and Wyoming including Encampment, Shoshoni, Hawk Springs and Yoder. In his teens, Russ worked several ranch jobs, finding a semi-permanent position on the Diamond Ranch in Chugwater. Russ graduated from Goshen Hole High School in 1975. After graduation Russ attended Farrier school at Central Wyoming College. Upon completion of his farrier degree, in 1976 he returned to the Diamond Ranch where he met his future bride, Jean Frances Dixon. Russ and Jean were married on June 16, 1977 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Shortly after they married, the couple moved to the Deerwood Ranch near Centennial, Wyoming. After a brief time in Centennial, the couple moved back to the Diamond Ranch and began their family with the birth of their first child Benjamin in October of 1979. In the early 80's the young family moved to the Oxford Ranch south of Laramie, and added their daughter Abigail and their son Clint. Russ managed the Oxford Ranch for 5 years before a back injury forced him out of the ranching lifestyle. In 1987, at the age of 30 Russ enlisted in the Army National Guard and served until honorably discharged in 1995. Also in 1987, Russ went back to school and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts and Technology Education from the University of Wyoming. Russ worked as the manager of the Diamond Guest Ranch during the summers while attending UW. Upon graduation, Russ and Jean moved the family, now with the addition of their youngest daughter, Margaret, to Round Mountain, Nevada where they both took teaching jobs. In Round Mountain Russ implemented a welding and technology program and taught automotive and small engine courses. Russ also coached the Round Mountain Lady Knights Basketball team to several state tournament appearances. In late 1998, Russ and family moved to Gillette and Russ began his nearly 16 year tenure as the welding teacher at Campbell County High School. Russ served in leadership roles in Wyoming Association of Career and Technical Education, the American Welding Society and served as the advisor for the Campbell County High School Chapter of Skills USA, and was a certified welding inspector and instructor. He enjoyed providing students with opportunities to compete in state and national competitions. Russ had an affinity for animals, particularly dogs and horses and enjoyed telling all who would listen about the great dogs and horses he had partnered with over the many years working ranches. In recent years, Russ maintained his connection to ranching by helping gather cattle and put up hay in the Crowheart area in the summer and fall. Russ also enjoyed working with young people to help them realize their potential. He took a particular interest in those students who reminded him of himself. When he was not telling stories of good dogs and fast horses he was relaying the successes of current and former students. . Russ is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jean, sons Benjamin (Alicia), Clinton, and daughters, Abigail (William) and Margaret, and his five grandchildren. Russ will be missed by all. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph David Rux and Connie Jean Carlson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wyoming Chapter of Skills USA c/o Gillette Memorial Funeral Home, or online donations to Wyoming Public Radio, or the American Welding Society Scholarship Fund at ://www.aws.org/w/a/foundation/donation.html?id=M836epis in honor of Russell Rux. Memorials and condolences may also be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or via website: www.gillettememorialchapel.com Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716