A life of faith, family, and joyful service

Russell D. Carty of Fairdale, Kentucky, age 97, was peacefully embraced by his Lord and Savior on October 28, 2025. Born on September 21, 1928, in Covington, Kentucky, to John D. and Zella Mae Carty (née Green), Russell lived a long and blessed life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Wanda Jean Riley (Paul Buford), and brother James Lewis Carty.

Russell shared an extraordinary 76-year marriage with his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Frances Roberta “Bobbie” Carty (née Longacre). Their faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of their home and their life together. For many years they worshiped at Mt. Holly Methodist Church and in later years at Valley View Church.

Together, Russell and Bobbie built their home in Fairdale and raised three children, Becky, David, and Kathy. Their home was always a place of warmth, faith, and laughter. Summers were spent at Rough River Lake, where Russell would make the daily drive to Louisville for work, returning for evenings to be with family. Those days became the heart of countless cherished memories shared by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who gathered there through the years.

Russell never met a stranger & was the architect of countless memories for those around him. He was a man who loved a good joke, a hearty laugh, and any opportunity to lend a helping hand. He was the master storyteller for all those who would lend an ear to his ever evolving stories. 

Deeply devoted to his community, he served as a firefighter and Treasurer of the Fairdale Fire Department, co-chaired the United Appeal and Red Cross efforts, led the Fairdale Community Club, and was honored to serve as President and later Grand Marshal of the Fairdale Fair. Around Christmas, you could often find him playing Santa Claus—his crooked grin & hearty laugh made him the perfect man for the job!

Russell and Bobbie shared a deep love of square dancing, traveling across the country for more than 30 years and forming lifelong friendships along the way. They served as presidents of the Kentuckiana Square Dance Association and as general chair, hosted the 1983 National Square Dance Convention in Louisville. They continued their involvement with the National Square Dance Convention by membership on the national executive committee. Always young at heart, in their second childhood they traveled, snowmobiled, and adventured joyfully alongside their dear friends Bill and Juanita Beach.

A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Russell served as a machinist before continuing his trade at Henry Vogt Machine Co. for 43 years, as well as a self-employed home builder & contractor. A skilled craftsman, he could build or repair nearly anything and always had a project underway in his workshop. His hands were steady & his mind curious.

Russell is survived by his beloved wife Roberta; children Rebecca Hope Carty Stivers, Glenn David Carty, and Kathryn Dee Carty Hollin Lanham (Eddie); eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Fay Bennett, Barbara Longacre, and Keata Longacre; brother-in-law Paul Gardner; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will continue to cherish his memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Though Russell has gone home to be with the Lord, his legacy of faith, family, and joy is cherished in the lives of all who knew and loved him.