Ruth Ellen Miller, 91, of Chetopa, died at 1:17 a.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Labette Health in Parsons.
Born January 5, 1930, in Chetopa, Ruth Ellen was the daughter of James Aubrey and Grace Lorene (Wright) Willis. She grew up, attended school and spent most of her life in Chetopa.
Ruth worked as a seamstress at the H.D. Lee Sewing Factory and later Glen Berry Manufacturing in Chetopa for several years. Then she worked at other sewing factories in Baxter Springs and Miami, Okla. Many happy memories and good meals were made while working as a cook at Dave’s with Dave and Irene Elmore and then at the Hornet’s Nest.
Ruth’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. A highlight of Ruth’s year was greeting her dressed-up grandchildren and great-grandchildren with candy every Halloween. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing pitch, bingo and solitaire. Watching Western movies and collecting and displaying her John Wayne memorabilia, was also something Ruth enjoyed.
Ruth and Wallace Purcell were married. The couple later divorced. November 21, 1962, Ruth and Wayne Miller were united in marriage. He preceded her in death March 30, 1972. Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents, two grandsons, Brian Purcell and Caleb Forquer; one brother, Robert Willis; two sisters, Lorene Boren and Donna Benson; and daughter-in-law, Connie Purcell.
Ruth is survived by four sons: James Purcell and Ronald Purcell both of Broken Arrow, Okla., John Purcell (wife, Sharon), of Wapanucka, Okla. and Homer Purcell of Tulsa, Okla.; daughters, Virginia Davis and Marilyn Mayfield (husband, Mike), both of Chetopa and a brother Glen Smith of Buckeye, Ariz. Ten grandchildren, Jason Mayfield; David Mayfield (wife, Rachel); Danny Mayfield; Tony Mayfield; Samantha Mayfield Donfris; Angela Forquer (husband, Sean); Julie Fecke; James Purcell; Jennifer Purcell; and Amber Cooper (husband, Robert) along with twenty-one great-grandchildren
The funeral service was held Thursday, September 2, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.