Ardith Ellen Murrell (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Ardith Ellen Murrell, daughter of Rufus and Vada O’Dell Vermillion, was born August 6, 1920, in Laclede County, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, October 9, 2015, in Gardens on Quail Street, in Arvada, Colorado, at the age of ninety-five years, two months, and three days.
On January 19, 1940, she was united in marriage to James Oris Murrell, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James, on March 9, 1989; a sister, Novella Whitlock; and an aunt and uncle that raised her, Lydia and Rudolph Coffman.
Ardith is survived by a daughter, Donna Scott, of Westminster, Colorado; two sons, Paul Murrell, and his wife, Carol, of Nevada, Iowa, and Jim Murrell, of Littleton, Colorado; eight grandchildren, Brenda, Rob, Brady, Tammy, Dustin, Luke, Tracie, and Lisa; fourteen great-grandchildren; a brother, John Vermillion, of the State of Oregon; a sister, Laureda Dolan, of the State of Wyoming; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was born and raised in Laclede County, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1938. After she and James were married, they made their home on their farm, near Lebanon, and lovingly raised their family. In addition to being a devoted homemaker and helping James on the farm, Ardith worked for the Rice Stix Factory and for Justice Furniture Manufacturing Company for several years. Later, she was a civil service employee and worked as a dental assistant at Fort Leonard Wood for fifteen years. For the last few years, Ardith had made her home with her daughter in Colorado.
Ardith made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life and was raised in Washington Christian Church. She was a longtime active member of Southern Heights Christian Church in Lebanon.
She enjoyed working on the farm, riding horses, and being outdoors. She was multi-talented and among her many passions were her faith in Christ, quilting, her Missouri heritage, her patriotism for the United States, and of course, her family, which she placed at the center of her life. She was very sociable and enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and friends.
Ardith was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her amazing life.
Memorial contributions may be made to Aspen House in Ames, Iowa, Washington Cemetery, or Hough Chapel Cemetery, and left at the funeral home.
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