Russell A Sage

RUSSELL ALLYN SAGE Russell Allyn Sage, 76, of Soap Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, surrounded by family. Russell was born April 22, 1942 in Minatare, Nebraska to Harold and Luella Sage. Russ graduated from Ephrata High School in 1960, where he lettered in football and baseball – basketball was out for obvious reasons. After graduation, he attended Hollywood Barber College in 1961. On May 6, 1961, Russell married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Nickel. The two made their home in the San Fernando Valley (California) for 11 years. In 1971, Russ decided that was no place to raise a family, so they moved back home to Ephrata where they raised their three children. Russell was very proud of his greatest accomplishment –his family. In 1972, an Ephrata institution was born when Russ opened Scissor & Comb Barbershop. For 49 years, Russ provided thousands of haircuts to the young and old of his community. His shop was a hub for those looking for sports talk, jokes, “counseling sessions”, and the occasional wager (alleged). Russ viewed his customers like family. He took a lot of pride in the relationships he built over the years. Russell was fiercely devoted to his community, especially the youth. Kids knew he appreciated them, it was a mutual respect. In addition to watching his own children compete, he was a big supporter of EHS athletics, and youth sports in general. He could be seen on Friday nights in the 80’s and 90’s under the lights of Kiwanis Field. Russell’s athletic prowess was on display every Tigers home game, as the official extra point and field goal retriever. Russell and Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies together, including gardening and fishing, but golf took top honors. They have been members of Lakeview Golf and Country Club since the mid 70’s. “Sandy Sage.” as he was known to his friends, took a lot of pride in the friendships made, and the wagers won. Russell is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of almost 58 years; daughter Deb (Skip) Alexander of Soap Lake; sons Rick (Oralia) Sage of Grand Coulee, and Rob (Trish) Sage of Soap Lake; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Luella; and his brother, Lloyd. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Mar. 16, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Community Church of Ephrata, 54 K St SE. A reception will follow at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Russell’s name, to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1012 C St. SW, Ephrata, WA 98823, or to the Ephrata High School Alumni Association, ephratatigeralumni.com for scholarship funding.

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Russell A Sage

April 22, 1942 - January 28, 2019