Ruby Kirkpatrick

A Celebration of Life for Nell Kirkpatrick, of Sulphur Springs, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Pete Adrian officiating. A private burial will be held prior to the memorial service with John Kirkpatrick, Bryan Palmer, Jason Palmer, Clint Palmer, Frank Griffin and Jesse Morrill serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jake Morrill, Chad Kopal and Doug Peak. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service (10:00 a.m.)
Nell Kirkpatrick, eldest daughter of Bernice Eugene and Susan Elizabeth Ellison was born March 2, 1924 in Jenkins, Texas. She graduated from Daingerfield High School before attending secretarial school in Dallas. She worked as a secretary for an insurance company in Dallas prior to her marriage to Omer F. Kirkpatrick in 1943. She then lived in St. Joseph, Missouri where Dr. Kirkpatrick completed his internship and residency requirements. While in the Army Dr. Kirkpatrick was stationed at Tripler Hospital in Hawaii; they lived on Oahu with their two oldest children until his discharge.
After making Sulphur Springs their home, Nell became active in the Medical Auxiliary where she served as president in 1957 and 1964, PTA where she served as president and in all aspects of her children's activities. After her children were grown, she worked at the Hopkins County Clinic until 1981. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was a member of The First United Methodist Church and The Crusaders Sunday School Class where she served as Treasurer for several years. She also volunteered many hours in the Church Office.
She was preceded in death by Dr. Omer F. Kirkpatrick, her beloved husband of 53 years, three older brothers, two sisters, grandson-in-law Chuck Morrill, grandson Jeff Bezdek and great-grandson Josh Morrill. She is survived by her five children, son and daughter-in-law Seba and Vicki Kirkpatrick of Rogue River, Oregon, daughter and son-in-law June and Nathan Finke of Dallas, son and daughter-in-law Bob and Nancy Kirkpatrick of Sulphur Springs, daughter Ruth Palmer of Sulphur Springs and daughter and son-in-law Ann and Ron Wyatt of Yantis. Also surviving are her four grandsons and their wives, John and Tia Kirkpatrick, Bryan and Ann Palmer, Jason and Monique Palmer and Clint and Mandy Palmer. Her five granddaughters Ann Morrill, Kellie Sparks and husband Ben, Lisa Griffin and husband Frank, Cristie Kopal and husband Chad and Betsy Peak and husband Doug also survive. She leaves behind 21 precious great-grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
We thank the doctor and nurses with Legacy Hospice for the caring attention and support the last seven months. And there are no words to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Mark Miller for his service over the years.