Russell S. Carter, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born on December 8, 1947, Russell lived a life rooted in family, hard work, laughter, and the Kansas land he loved. He was adopted as an infant by Orvis and Nona Carter, who gave him a strong foundation of unconditional love. That experience remained close to Russell's heart and shaped the way he later built and loved his own family.
Russell graduated from Simpson High School in 1965. He was a gifted athlete who played every sport with determination, passion, and the unmistakable streak of orneriness that made him so much fun to know. During his senior year, he earned all-state honors in basketball, but those who knew Russell would likely remember his humor and competitive spirit just as clearly as his accomplishments on the court.
Farming and ranching were not simply Russell's livelihood; they were part of who he was. His hands told the story of years spent working the soil, tending livestock, fixing fences, and doing whatever the day required. He understood the value of an honest day's work and took great pride in caring for the land. In 1974, he was named the Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer, an honor that reflected his dedication to the life he had chosen and loved.
Russell also had a lifelong passion for horses and rodeo. He was the 1981 United Rodeo Finals Champion team roper and earned many awards throughout his roping years. Yet the friendships he made along the way mattered to him far more than any buckle or trophy. Rodeo gave him another place to work hard, compete, laugh, and build relationships that lasted a lifetime.
Above everything else, Russell loved his family. He and his wife, Jolene, built a home filled with devotion, laughter, responsibility, and plenty of hard work. Because Russell knew firsthand the gift of adoption, he and Jolene lovingly welcomed their daughters, Josi and Jaci, into their family. Their home was a place where dreams were encouraged, challenges were faced together, and love was never in doubt.
Russell was never happier than when he was following the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He showed up for the milestones, the hard days, and everything in between. He could often be found cheering for Rusty, Jami, Josi, and Jaci from the bleachers or proudly sharing news of his grandchildren, Austin, Cadyn, Britt, Brody, and Isabela. His great-grandchildren - Teej, Rivalee, Truett, Quaid, Blake, and Rush - brought him a special kind of joy.
To Russell, the best moments in life were rarely the grand ones. They were found in teaching a child to ride, fixing a fence beneath the Kansas sky, working a field, bringing in a crop, or sharing a laugh at the end of a long day. He had a warm heart, a quick wit, and a way of making people feel supported. Whether someone needed encouragement, practical help, or simply a reason to smile, Russell was there.
Russell is survived by his son, Rusty Carter; his daughters, Jami Widrig and husband Eric, Josi Derickson and husband Scott, and Jaci Carter; his grandchildren, Austin Carter (Monteene), Cadyn Carter (Hannah), Britt Arasmith (Jarrett), Brody Widrig, and Isabela Browning; and his great-grandchildren, Teej Carter, Rivalee Carter, Truett Carter, Quaid Carter, Blake Arasmith, and Rush Carter.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jolene Carter, and his parents, Orvis and Nona Carter.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 910 N. Campbell Ave., Beloit, Kansas. The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Scottsville Community Church or Solomon Valley Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Friends are encouraged to wear jeans to the service.
Russell leaves behind more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves the memory of a life honestly lived, a family deeply loved, land faithfully tended, and friendships built to last. His strength, generosity, humor, and unmistakable spirit will live on in the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love him.