Ros Russell was born in Melbourne and moved to London with her family at the age of seven. After two years, the family returned to Australia where Russell's father took up a position with the Advertiser in Adelaide. Russell completed her education at Girton Grammar School, Bendigo and Invergowrie, Melbourne. During World War II, Russell worked as a driver in the Australian Women's Army Service.
Following her marriage to Bill Russell in June 1944, Russell wrote a children's book, Ricky, Nicky and Charley and became a social columnist for the Advertiser. She was also a strong supporter of the Adelaide Festival of Arts.
A Russell family story maintains that Russell was the inspiration behind J. C. Bancks's(q.v.) naming of the main character in the cartoon series Ginger Meggs.
Source: Jenetta Russell, 'A Passion for the World and the Inspiration behind Ginger Meggs's Name', Sydney Morning Herald (24 August 2010): 18.
