Ruth Dorrell

Ruth Marie Croft was born on March 1, 1935 to Stanley and Kate (Kingery) Croft on her grandparents' farm in Madison County, Iowa. She was a 1954 graduate of Winterset High School and later married Rex Dorrell on December 18, 1954 at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset.

After high school, Ruth worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company before opening her own daycare business which she ran until she was retired. She was a homemaker and loved being with and taking care of her family. Ruth loved taking care of children and was still in contact with many of her daycare kids. She was a caregiver and loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and extended family.

Ruth passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Azria Health in Winterset, surrounded by family. She was 88 years old.

She is survived by her three children, RaeLynn Dorrell of Winterset, Randy Dorrell of Ankeny, Ragina (Craig) Rothamel of Winterset; brother, Gene (Barb) Croft of Perry; four grandchildren, Mindy (Brandon) Gehrke, Katie Dorrell, Drew (Sasha Mecham) Dorrell, and Tyson Rothamel; and two great-granddaughters, Quinn and Nola Gehrke.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Rex; and daughter-in-law, Nancie Dorrell.