Rebecca Jane LaRussa, 36, of Springfield, died on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with liver cancer.
In celebration of her life, a visitation will be held at Coffeen Methodist Church, 300 W. Main Street in Coffeen, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, and Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Olive Hill Cemetery in Coffeen. Hough-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Miss LaRussa was born on July 29, 1989, in Hillsboro, to Susan LaRussa of Coffeen and the late Raymond LaRussa. She brought a special light and love into the world from the very beginning.
She was employed as the senior accountant manager at George Alarm Company in Springfield, where she was known for her dedication and cheery personality. She also served as a village trustee of Southern View Township and treasured planning and taking part in their special events.
A free spirit, she was known for her giving and adventurous nature. She valued her garden and shared her indoor plants with those around her, spreading the happiness that nature brought her. She enjoyed everything artistic and was always the one to “color outside the lines” pushing the boundary for beautiful art.
She cherished her four cats and being a “cat mom” gave her great joy. She held many titles, but being an aunt was her favorite, and she loved sharing her fearlessness and positive outlook on life with them. Family and friends meant everything to her and she was always there when someone needed her. She will always be remembered for her loving, bubbly and hippy personality. She had an infectious laugh, a warm heart and the perfect balance of sweetness and sass.
She shared a deep bond with her mother Susan. They were together a great deal, beginning with her time at Shriner’s Hospital as a young child. Her dedication to her mother gave her immense fulfillment.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Rachel (Kyle) Clothier of Edwardsville; nephew, Noah Clothier of Edwardsville; niece, Noelle Clothier of Edwardsville; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond LaRussa, her cousin Tara Nave, her paternal grandparents, Betty and George Meredith and Donald LaRussa; and her maternal grandparents, James and Margie Brewer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital and will be received at the visitation and service or mailed to Shriners Children’s, Attn: Shriners Children’s, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA, 30394 or online at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/.
To leave an online condolence or to order flowers, please visit www.houghdeanfh.com.
