Henry Russell Denton

Henry Russell Denton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Twin Falls. His family and community deeply loved him and will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, unwavering faith, and devotion to those around him.

Russell was born on January 20, 1949, in Wendell, Idaho, to Ruth Dewald Denton and George Jr. Denton. He spent his entire life in the Magic Valley, primarily in Twin Falls County, where his roots in farming and community ran deep.

Growing up in the Filer and Twin Falls area, Russell participated in Boy Scouts, proudly earning his Eagle Scout award. He was an accomplished athlete and wrestler, earning the nickname “Mr. Takedown,” and also enjoyed working on the family farm. Following graduation, he attended College of Southern Idaho, where he especially enjoyed pottery and art classes.

Russell was a proud third-generation farmer with more than 60 years of farming experience. He dedicated his life to cultivating over 500 acres of row crops and alfalfa while also caring for more than 1,000 head of beef cattle. Farming was not simply his livelihood — it was his passion, his ministry, and his legacy. Russell was respected throughout the agricultural community for his knowledge, generosity, and willingness to mentor young and emerging farmers, including his son and “right-hand man, “ Jeff Volle of Volle Farms.

In 1985, Russell met Marilyn K. Volle on a blind, double date. Their connection and love quickly grew and they were married on December 6, 1986. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others.

Russell remained a lifelong supporter of Filer High School athletics and was a generous contributor to the Filer School Foundation, helping provide scholarships for graduating students. He was honored as Farm Family of the Year in 2024.

When he occasionally stepped away from farming, Russell enjoyed water skiing and snow skiing in his younger years. He also cherished serving at Twin Falls Church of the Nazarene, attending Bible study, drinking morning coffee with friends, listening to Christian radio, visiting with family and friends, taking drives to equipment dealerships, auctions, farm sales, RZR riding, searching for “gold,” and traveling south to Salome, AZ for the winter — places where he always felt at home.

Russell retired from farming in 2019, though his love for agriculture and the farming community never faded.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Dewald Denton and George Jr. Denton, brother, Bill Von Eschen, brother-in-law Joe Sturgell, and grandson,Trevor Butler.

Russell is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Denton; his siblings, Carolyn Sturgell, Donna Lutz (Dennis), Peggy Schroeder (Mark), and Dan Denton (Sonya); his children, Angilla Denton, Brandy Taylor (Jake), Holly Pedrow (Jeff), Jenny Brown (Ryan), and Jeff Volle (Shawna); his grandchildren, Brittany McNutt (Kenny), Lyndsi Baugh (Mark), Madeleine Murphy (Michael), Kaelie Blakeway (Levi), Isabelle Mullikin (Joel), Nathalie Brown, Elliott Taylor, Paige Volle, Xander Brown, Preston Volle, and Makenzie Pedrow; and his great-grandchildren, Gunner McNutt, Kennedy McNutt, Colin Walters, Haylee Walters, Magnolia Baugh, Otis Baugh, and Paisley Blakeway.

Russell’s family and friends will remember him as a faithful man whose life was defined by service, generosity, humility, and love for God, family, farming, and community.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 20, 2026, at Twin Falls Church of the Nazarene, followed by a reception.

In place of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to:

The Filer School Foundation Scholarship Fund, 301 Highway 30, Filer, Idaho 83328