Melanie Russ Holst passed away peacefully August 10, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama, at the age of 75. Melanie was born and raised in Vernon, Florida, graduating from Vernon High School in 1967. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1982 and a Master’s Degree in Counseling in 1997, both from the University of North Alabama (UNA).
Her professional career spanned a variety of roles, beginning as a secretary in the metallurgy department at the University of Florida. She later worked in the administrative offices of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) in Muscle Shoals, followed by several years as secretary to the mayor of Florence, Alabama. She also worked in the human resources department at the University of North Alabama. In the later years of her career, she was a dedicated social worker and counselor, serving primarily at Riverbend Center for Mental Health and Freedom House Recovery in Northwest Alabama.
Melanie had an impact on so many people’s lives through her work and dedication to helping those in recovery. She was very vocal about her belief in AA, NA, and Al-Anon and working these programs step by step. Melanie often found herself on the right side of history, protesting injustices and working to help the marginalized in our communities. There also weren’t many occasions where she missed out on an opportunity to share those opinions and beliefs with you. She was passionate and firm in those beliefs.
Along with being a fan of UNA band and athletics, Melanie was a lifelong supporter of the University of Florida Gators. In addition to her love of baseball and football, she played the piano and enjoyed music of all types. There were few occasions when Melanie couldn’t find a song to fit the moment.
Melanie was predeceased by her parents, James F. Russ, Jr., and Minnie Lee Wells Russ, her sister Janet Russ Lang, and her daughter, Emily Peele Turner.
She is survived by her son Benjamin Alan Armstrong and his wife Jessica; her sisters, Anita Russ Flammia and husband Pat, and Nancy Russ Schimmer and husband Richard, her brother, Thomas A. Russ and wife Marigold; and her grandchildren, John Thomas, Isabella, Brock, and Davis; as well as nieces and nephews and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service is planned at a later date.
If you choose to honor Melanie’s life with a donation, please donate to the Brain Research Foundation (https://www.thebrf.org/), or to a charity of your choosing.
