Smith, Russell Music Scholarship Fund

Donor Fund Story:

The Russell Smith Music Scholarship Fund was created January 1998 upon Russell W. Smith’s death as described in his Last Will and Testament.  The fund is used to provide a scholarship to a West Noble High School senior pursuing advanced musical education.

Mr. Smith showed his love for music through the many activities he participated in.  Russell played drums in a band with Bill Cochran and a friend, Lemming.  The band played at parks, the old high school, and at events such as “Kids’ Day,” a forerunner to the Marshmallow Festival.  Russell was a lifetime Ligonier area resident and was married to Esther Thurwachter.  He lived in an apartment above his drycleaning business, The Toggery, for about 20 years until his death in 1998.  Russell ran the business from 1927 until 1968, when he sold it.  Russell passed away at the age of 93 and his wife preceded him in death in 1968.