Avis Joy Morell

Avis Joy Morell

May 27, 1930 - July 14, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- Avis Joy Morell died Thursday, July 14, 2016, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook at the age of 86.

She was born May 27, 1930, in Benkelman, Neb., the daughter of the late James and Arvilla (Pate) Anderson. She had a younger sister, Evelyn. Although the family moved several times throughout the years, they always called southwest Nebraska home. They moved to Palisade when Avis was two years old and then to Wellfleet when she was 10. They made McCook their home in 1942. Avis lived there ever since.

After graduating from McCook High School in 1948, she attended McCook Junior College, graduating in 1950. It was during her second year of studies that she met her husband, Rex Morell. They were married on Sept. 15, 1950. Their first child, a daughter, was born in 1952, followed by five more children -- three girls and two boys. Avis was a stay-at- home mom for 10 years. She then joined the workforce as the manager of the Green Stamps Company out of New York. Following the closing of the store, she worked as a secretary for 12 ½ years at the First Congregational Church.

After retiring, Avis and Rex traveled throughout the United States and Canada. They enjoyed seeing all the sites and meeting new friends. When she was not traveling she was busy following her grandchildren and playing cards with her friends. Avis was a great mother to all her children and a wonderful grandmother. She had a heart full of love for her family and was always there when needed. She loved to bake cookies for her grandchildren and enjoyed fixing all the mashed potatoes for the boys. You never went hungry at her dinners.

Avis and Rex had a wonderful marriage of 61 years before Rex passed away in February 2012.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rex; her parents; and one sister, Evelyn.

Avis is survived by her six children, Janet and Tom Gardner, Steve and Brenda Morell, Karen Poindexter, Mary and Steve Cuellar, Donna and Tom Cuellar and Jim Morell; 14 grandchildren, Brian Morell, Ben Gardner, Emily (Jeff) Mullin, Elizabeth Morell, Katherine (Matt) Johnson, Garrett (Laura) Nokes, Justen (Ashley) Nokes, Stephanie Huismann, Brandon (Jenny) Poindexter, Louis (Julie) Cuellar, Lauren (Tyler) Powell, Jessica Cuellar, Zachary Morell, Jeremy (Courtney) Morell; and 10 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ione Brown; and nieces, nephews and many friends.

Memorials may be given in her name to the McCook Library Foundation.

Visitation is today, Monday July 18, 2016, until time of Rosary that will be recited at 7 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 19, 2016, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.

Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.