Russell W. Eldredge of the Treasure Valley ,passed away on September 14, 2005 at the age of 99. Russ was born in Agate, Colorado in 1906 in the living quarters of the Union Pacific Railroad to Frank and Ada Eldredge. Russell's father was a telegrapher for Union Pacific. The railroad was one of the threads running through Russell's life. Russ grew up in a railroad family, and eventually become a depot agent. Russ's childhood was spent in New York state, graduating from high school in Albany. He was actively involved in sports during high school where he developed his life long love of tennis. After graduating from high school Russ spent several years working in the New York Theater district and Later toured as a set designer and prop man for several shows on the RKO circuit during the great depression. One memorable show included a performance in the White House. During a summer break from the shows, Russ took a train trip with a CCTC group with his brother Hap to Idaho where he met Arba Rassmussan. They were married on February 26, 1930 and settled in Boise. Their daughter Roberta Anne was born the following December. Russ continued to work in the entertainment industry and spent two summers working on the Movie Production "Northwest Passage" doing various jobs and bit parts. In 1941 Russ went to work for Union Pacific Railroad and soon become the depot agent at Banks, Idaho where they stayed until Roberta graduated from high school. Russ later transferred to Marsing,Idaho as depot agent. While working in Marsing, Russ was a Scout Master in troop 10 in the Boy Scouts of America. Russ continued to work at the Marsing depot until his retirement on August 1, 1970; the depot was closed upon his retirement. Russ and Arba were divorced in October of 1955 and Russ married Erma Swainston on April 5, 1957. Erma also worked for Union Pacific In Nampa. They built a home on Orchard Avenue outside of Caldwell Idaho overlooking Lake Lowell. Shortly after their retirement in 1970m Russ and Erma bought a Cabana in Santa Anita Club de golf in Guadalajara, Mexico. They enjoyed wintering there for 18 years where Russ focused on his hobbies of tennis, painting, square dancing and the occasional chess game. After 18 winters in Mexico, they relocated to Mesa AZ for their winter home. Erma dies January 13, 1998. He married Gertrude E Doubleday in 2001. They spent some time at Mesa AZ. Then lived in Boise until they separated and Russell moved to a Boise nursing home. They were divorced in2003. Russ is most well known for his love of tennis; he was an active instructor at the club in Mexico and played competitive tournaments well into his 90's. He played in the "Senior Seniors: ( for 90+ year old players) USTA tournament in Orlando Florida from 1996 through 1999. Russ and his partner won first place in 1997 at the young age of 91. Russ' motto for health and long life was "if you do not use it, you lose it." Russ was proceeded in death by wives Arba and Erma. He is survived by his daughter Roberta, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, a stepdaughter Cathryn Lynn Gowen and her family. (Statesman Newspaper)