Ruby G. (McFarlane) Burnell, 86

Ruby G. (McFarlane) Burnell, International Falls, Minn., died Saturday, May 10, 2008, at her home at the age of 86.
Ruby was born Oct. 12, 1921 in Edrans, Manitoba, Canada to Alex and Cora (Lintott) McFarlane. She grew up in Badger, Minn., and was united in marriage to John Ross Burnell Sr. on Nov. 9, 1940.
In 1953 Ruby and her family moved to International Falls where she worked at Biddy’s Steak House, Jim’s Café‚ and the Falls Care Center for a number of years. Ruby was actively involved in the Woodworker Local W-33, and instrumental in getting the union started at the old Falls Care Center. Ruby’s hobbies included cooking, quilting and sewing. She also loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John “Ross” Burnell Sr. in 1990; her two sons, John Ross “Pinky” Burnell Jr. and Jay Richard (Dick) Burnell Sr.; son-in-law, Robert C. “Bob” Walls; two grandsons, John Ross “Jack” Burnell III and Jerry Allen; two great-granddaughters, Courtney Kuperus and Tiffany Kuperus; five sisters; and two brothers.
She is survived by three sons, Don (Vicki) Burnell of Burkburnett, Texas, Mick (Michelle) Burnell of Wausau, Wis., and Jay (Denise) Burnell of Roseau, Minn.; three daughters, Darlene Walls, Debbie (Jim) Peterson, Tami (Elroy) Jesme, all of International Falls, Minn., and a special daughter, Diane (Tim) DeMulling of St. Paul, Minn.; her sister, Elsie (Holger) Lislegard of Roseau, Minn.; brother, Wilbert McFarlane of Greenbush, Minn.; 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; along with Ruby’s many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Green-Larsen Mortuary Memory Chapel, International Falls.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Evangelical Covenant Church, with Pastor Eric W. Marx officiating.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Memorial Drive, International Falls.
Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers in memory of Ruby.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.