Ruth Hamilton Russell, 88, of California, Maryland passed away Friday, June 17, 2011, at the Solomon's Nursing Center. Born March 1, 1923 in Selma, NC, she was the daughter of the late Elijah Hamilton and Nellie (Pace) Hamilton.

Mrs. Russell retired from the Service Test Division of the Naval Air Test Center (NATC) in 1972 after a twenty-six year career as a secretary and administrative assistant. During her career, she worked with test pilots some of whom would later become the original astronauts including John Glenn.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Edgar G. Russell, of California, Maryland and who now resides at Hermitage Assisted Living in Solomon's, Maryland.

Mrs. Russell enjoyed traveling and went on several cross-country trips with her husband in their camper trailer. They also spent each winter in their condominium in Hallandale, Florida during retirement and went camping when they returned to Maryland with the Blue Crab Camping Club. She liked to cook and bake, especially during the holidays. Everyone loved her Christmas cookies and fried crab balls.

Other survivors include her son, Wayne H. Russell and his wife Penny W. Russell of Fredericksburg, Virginia and their children, Kevin W. Russell of Seattle, Washington, Zachary T. Russell of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Thomas S. Call, Jr., Cary P. Scharf of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Nancy A. Call of Fredericksburg, Virginia' and two great grandsons.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Trinity Memorial Cemetery in Waldorf, Maryland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southern Maryland Office, P.O. Box 1889, La Plata, MD 20646.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.