Ruth Morrell

KINGSFORD - Ruth E. Morrell, 82, of 223 Riverhills Road in Kingsford, died Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, where she had been receiving excellent care and compassion from the entire staff for the last four years. She was born on May 11, 1924, in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late George John and Anna Maria (Hosking) Paquin. She graduated from L'Anse High School in 1942. She had close to 44 years of service to veterans of four wars, and those who served during peace time. During the span of those years, she herself was a U.S. Navy (Waves) veteran of World War II. She also served veterans of World War I, World War II, Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She met and married Robert Morrell on Sept. 11, 1948, in Iron Mountain and together they just shared their 58th wedding anniversary. Ruth began her employment at the Office of Veterans Affairs in March 1946 as a receptionist/secretary. She was named director of the Office of Veterans Affairs in March 1976, holding that position until her retirement in 1989. Following retirement, she served two terms as a Dickinson County commissioner. She was very active in community and veterans organizations. She had served as the American Legion 12th District commander, a member of Rebecca Lodge (Odd Fellows), White Shrine of Jerusalem, Order of the Eastern Star, the Trinity United Methodist Church, and the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Zonta Club. In addition, she has coordinated the annual Iron Mountain-Kingsford Memorial Day parade and program, Fourth of July parade and program, annual countywide Veterans Day dinner and program, Dickinson County Share Your Christmas program and the March of Dimes, and served the United Way of Dickinson County as secretary and treasurer for many years. With the American Legion, in addition to commanding the 12th District, Ruth has served as 12th District alternate committeeperson, was post service officer for 11 years, 12th District service officer for three years and was 12th District and 5th zone historian for three years. She was also a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, Camp Fire Girls leader, Sunday school teacher, Daughters of Job leader and served as treasurer of the Dickinson County Pilots Association. Along the way, her devotion to veterans, the community, her church and civic organizations has been recognized in the form of numerous awards, citations and certificates. Ruth loved crafts, gardening, working in the yard, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband of more than 58 years, Robert Morrell of Kingsford; a son, James (Wende) Morrell of Duluth; daughters, Nancy (Robert) Vassar of Rhinelander, Wis., and Judith Morrell of Florida; three grandchildren, Meaghan and Mallory Morrell and Jeremy Morrell; three great-grandchildren, Lauren, Michael and Logan Morrell; five sisters, Margaret Daniels of Florida, Carol Lindgren of Aurora, Wis., Joyce McCain of Georgia, Catherine MacNees of Iron Mountain and Dorothy (Donald) Pascal of Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by a brother, John Richard Paquin. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The Order of the Eastern Star service will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the funeral service with Rev. Debbie Thomas officiating. The American Legion Post 363 will conduct military honors on Wednesday at 10 a.m. followed by graveside services all at Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northwoods Airlifeline. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ruth E. Morrell online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Ruth Morrell

September 29, 1924 - September 29, 2006