Obituary of Russell Hubert Ware

Russell H. Ware, age 99 of Iowa City formerly of Indianapolis, IN and Brea, CA died Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at his home in Iowa City. Russell Hubert Ware was born March 13, 1922, in Indianapolis the son of Russell L. and Maud (Rentfrow) Ware. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis, and attended Butler University there. During WWII he served in the United States Navy. Returning to Indianapolis following military service he worked and was active in various civic groups before moving to California. In California he worked in producing motion pictures and later as a real estate broker owning his own company in Fullerton, CA. In retirement Russell continued his civic involvement as a volunteer stage manager for the Hour of Power at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA and other activities. Russell met Lois Nell Peterson in Kokomo, IN and were married in Modesto, CA in 1966 where they worked together in motion pictures and real estate. Ardent bicycle riders, they moved to Marion, IN in 2001 to take advantage of the Cardinal Greenway in Grant County where he was the first recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award. He and Lois would ride 21 miles nearly every Saturday morning during riding season. Each year the couple would celebrate their birthday by riding the number of miles that reflected their new age, and then celebrate after the ride. Had Lois lived to October 1, 2021, they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage. Russell is survived by his family: son, Russell J. Ware; grandchildren, Brandie Richmann (JD), Russell C. Ware (Stacey), Michael Mangione (Donna), Christopher Mangione (Larisa), Angelique Hannold (Justin); and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and in-laws. Russell was proceeded in death by his wife, Lois Ware; daughter, Sharon (Ware) Mangione; grandson, Russell D. Mangione; sister, Irene (Ware) Roache; step-son, Rodney Roach. Private family services have been held in Iowa City, IA. Burial with military honors will be held at the Marion National Cemetery, in Marion, IN, at 11 am, on Friday, January 7, 2022.