Russell John Green

Russell John Green, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, after a long battle with prostate cancer. At the time of his passing, he and his beloved wife, Sharlene, were living in Henefer, Utah, after recently relocating from Washington, Utah, where they had spent the past 11 years together.

Russ was born on November 24, 1940, in Manly, New South Wales, Australia, a beautiful beachside suburb of Sydney. He was the son of Clarence George Green and Florence Elizabeth Heywood and arrived just four minutes after his twin sister, Marcia Helen. He also had an older sister, Jannette Heywood. He loved his sisters and enjoyed growing up with them in Manly.

As a young man, Russ loved swimming in Sydney Harbour, surfing, rowing, rugby, and cricket. He attended Manly Boys Primary School and later Murwillumbah High School after his family moved to a farm near Cudgen on the Tweed River in 1953.

At age 19, Russ was introduced to missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His conversion marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to Jesus Christ and the gospel he loved so deeply.

In 1962, Russ moved from Australia to Provo to attend Brigham Young University, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

Russ married Carolyn May Selby on January 26, 1967, and together they had two sons, Jonathan Russell and Scott Matthew. They were later divorced.

On March 22, 1974, Russ married the love of his life, Sharlene Johanna Knickerbocker, in Yorba Linda, California. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, love, and family, raising their four children Michele Denise, Kelly Elizabeth, Cassandra Marie, and Jeremy Heywood along with Sharlene’s daughter Serena Lynn Watts.

Russ was known for his strong work ethic. Throughout his life, he worked in many professions and faithfully provided for his family. He and Sharlene spent different times of their lives living in both Australia and Utah, creating treasured memories and lifelong friendships wherever they went.

Above all else, Russ was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He served in many callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, alongside Sharlene, completed two missions in Africa, serving in both Nigeria and South Africa. His quiet testimony, kindness, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharlene, and their children: Craig (Liz) Watts, Lee (Patty) Watts, Serena (Ernie) Fisher, Jon (Jill) Green, Scott (Jaime) Green, Michele (Jared) Richins, Kelly Green, Cassandra (Gary) Crittenden, and Jeremy (Aleece) Green and his two sisters Marcia Helen and Jannette Heywood. He also leaves behind 32 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; each of whom brought him joy and pride.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Henefer Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Henefer Cemetery.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Enhabit Hospice and our dear friends for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Russ’s final days. Funeral services will be under the direction of Walker Mortuary.