Ruth Evelyn Duell

Ruth Evelyn Duell, 85, of Arvada, died Thursday, December 16, 2010. She was born in Keokuk, Iowa, September 8, 1925. She was left without parents at a very young age, her mother having died from tuberculosis. Ruth married Melvin Stevenson in 1943. They had two children, Melvin, Jr. and Gerald. Ruth and Melvin later divorced. Ruth first worked at Drydens Rubber plant in Keokuk. She met and married James E. Duell. They had three children, Evelyn, Gail and Debbie. Ruth started working in hospitals in Keokuk and continued her service in Denver Colorado at St. Anthony's Hospital and Beth Israel Hospital. She also worked in numerous nursing homes caring for the elderly, after retirement, Ruth went to work at McDonald's as a lobby attendant where she worked for over 10 yrs until the age of almost 80. Ruth was interested in gardening and an avid Denver Broncos and Denver Rockies fan. Ruth's favorite hobby was shopping. Her greatest joy was giving gifts to all of her many grandchildren. Ruth loved her family and enjoyed having photos of all her grandchildren nearby. Her gentle smile and teary goodbye's will be missed by everyone. We love you Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, and Great Great Gradma.

Beloved mother of Mel (Butch) Stevenson, Jerry Stevenson, Evelyn Bradbury, Gail Duell and grandmother of Crystal Stevenson, Todd Bradbury, Doug Stevenson, Shannon Hudson, Stefan Stevenson, Katrina Reppert, Shane Duell, Traci Frank, Ian Lesperance, Elizabeth Mills and great grandmother of Chandra Moreno, Jesse Abner, Chris Guyer, Stephanie Guyer, Nicole Hudson, Tinesha Hudnal Doug Stevenson, Jr., Michelle Stevenson, Brinna Mullins, Amanda Johnson, Joseph Stevenson, Cole Stevenson, Kassie Hudson, Brendin Mullins, Kendall Bradbury, Joseph Spencer, Spencer Bradbury, Arielle Hudson, Reven Bradbury, Riley Bradbury, Chance Lesperance, Nathaniel Aryes, Tinesha Joy, Jocie Aryes, Merrick Lesperance, Therin Lesperance, Delilah Reppert and great-great-grandmother of Julian Moreno, Gabby Moreno, Harper Abner and Aleigha Hudnal. Ruth was pre-deceased by her husband, James Duell, daughter, Debra Childress, Grand-daughter, Melissa Stevenson and brothers Jackie Thompson and Jimmy Thompson.

The family would like to suggest the Denver Ronald McDonald House for donations; http://www.ronaldhouse.org/ or Ronald McDonald House, 1300 E. 21st Ave., Denver, Colorado 80205.