Noel Huff (formerly Russell)

Noel Kristin Huff, (Formerly Russell), 44, passed away on January 7, 2026, at 2:46 p.m. in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by her family. Born on July 27, 1981, in Bloomington, Illinois, Noel spent her childhood in several Illinois communities before eventually settling in O’Fallon, Illinois, where she made her home for the past 30 years.

Those who knew Noel will remember her as a bright light, a caregiver, a leader, an advocate, and as beautiful as they come. She was artistic, sassy, brilliant, funny, calm, wise, and wildly self-sufficient. She had a quick wit and an unmatched talent for knowing exactly the right words to say, even when the truth was hard. She lit up every room she entered. She didn’t seek attention, but attention found her anyway, people naturally gravitated to her warmth, presence, and unforgettable cackle of a laugh.

Noel loved fiercely and without hesitation. She was the first to remind others of their worth, to tilt their chin back up so their crown didn’t fall. She welcomed people exactly as they were, showed up without condition, and made everyone feel seen. To many, Noel was “their person,” and she was special to a lot of people.

Noel found peace and happiness at the beach, her favorite place to reset, breathe, and soak in beauty. She was also remarkably creative. With an artist’s eye and a knack for reinvention, she could transform what looked like junk to most people into a masterpiece, using it to make a space feel warm, intentional, and uniquely hers.

Noel spent much of her life quietly navigating health challenges with dignity, bravery, and remarkable strength. She fought with everything she had until the very end. On her forearm, she carried a tattoo that read, “And the fighter still remains,” a fitting reflection of her spirit. In her final act of generosity, Noel chose to be an organ donor, her last gift, which will continue to touch and save lives.

Noel is survived by her parents, David and Pamela (nee Hagen) Huff; her siblings, Heidi (Brent) Bainter, Brenna (Geoff) Cardin, and Wesley (Chelsey) Huff; and her nieces and nephews, Jacoby and Deryn Bainter, Parker, Elyse, and Cecily Cardin, and Phoenix and Luna Huff. She is also survived by her grandparents, Norman and Martha Huff, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who felt like family.

The truest joy of Noel’s life was motherhood. She was a devoted and proud mother of her two children, Hagen Russell (17) and Dublin Russell (11), whom she adored beyond measure. Being their mom was her greatest joy, her proudest title, and her deepest calling. Everything she did was guided by her love for them. She is also survived by the father of her children, Michael Russell. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Miriam Hagen.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the springtime when the weather is warm, and the world feels a little more like Noel. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Donations in Noel's honor can be made to support her children at the following site or directly sent to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, IL 62269.

Support Noel’s children via this Gofundme link