Russell Lee Nifong, 33, passed away Tuesday at 11:05 a.m. at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth after suffering a long illness.
      
       He was born on January 4, 1981 in Plymouth, Indiana, the son of Ross H. Nifong and Nancy J. (Yelton) Martin. Russell attended Plymouth Schools where he graduated in 1999. He then went on to continue his education at Ancilla College.
      
       Russell had been involved in the family business of farming. He also had worked for Fastenal in South Bend, Indiana and Utilimaster in Wakarusa. Last summer he was employed at Jellystone Park. Russell was a fun loving and simply stated; ?That?s how I roll?. He was a true loyal friend to many with a big heart and will be missed dearly.
      
       Next to his seven year old daughter Olivia, Russell loved God also with is whole heart and soul.
      
       Russell is survived by his father and step-mother Ross and Debra Nifong of Plymouth, his mother and step-father Nancy and Paul Martin of Bourbon and maternal grandfather Paul Yelton, his daughter Olivia Nifong of Nappanee, his brothers James and Justina Nifong of Walkerton and Mark and Michelle Nifong of Culver, his sister Peggy Nifong and fianc? Jordan Stamper of Fort Myers, Florida, his step-brother Jonathan Miller, his step-sister Katie Miller and his nephew Jayden Nifong. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
      
       He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Becky Nifong, maternal grandmother Delores Yelton and paternal grandparents Cyrus and Loretta Nifong.
      
       Family and friends will gather at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth on Friday, June 20, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will also be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Nye officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
      
       Burial will follow in Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
      
       Memorial gifts may be made to the Neighborhood Community Food Pantry 201 N. Plum St. Plymouth, IN 46563.