RUSSELL OWEN "RUSS" ANNIS, died March 6, 2012, just 22 days before his 64th birthday at the Kindred Hospital in Peabody, Mass. after a short but difficult battle with cancer with his family by his side. Russell was born in East Concord, Vermont on March 28, 1948 a son of Josiah and Mildred (Isham) Annis. He lived in Groveton most of his life coming from Lancaster, NH and before that East Concord, VT. Russell married Mary Ellen Bedell on August 7, 1971 and together they had three children. Before retiring he worked for 33 plus years for James River and Wausau Papers in Groveton. Russell's favorite things were fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He would take them on the rides at the Lancaster Fair and played Santa at Christmas time. He also enjoyed visiting with his internet friends on Pal-Talk AA Australia. Russell is survived by his wife of 40 years Mary Ellen (Bedell) Annis of Groveton; their children Katherine Samson and husband Richard C. of Colebrook; Jason Annis and wife Catrine of Berlin and Aimee Lawson and boyfriend Hairo Taveras of Littleton; five grandchildren; his mother-in-law Daphne Weiss of Groveton; two sisters Evelyn VanHoose of Moberly, MO and Cheryl (Cherie)Parks of Casa Grande, AZ and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; one brother Carroll Annis and one sister Lillian Gilman. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 9th from 7-9pm at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home in Groveton. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 10th at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Beesley officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Overlook Cemetery in East Concord, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Russell's name to the Oncology Department at Weeks Medical Center; C/O Kathy St. Onge; 173 Middle Street; Lancaster, NH 03584.