Obituary of Ruth Kirkelie

Kirkelie, Ruth H., was born January 9, 1920 to parents, Cornelius J. Haan and Katie Alberts Haan of Aplington, Iowa. She passed away February 20, 2014 at her home of age related causes at 94 years of age. She was educated in the Aplington Iowa school system, and then in Iowa State Teachers College (since renamed University of Northern Iowa). She taught elementary school for several years before moving to California. She moved to Anaheim, CA in 1943 where she was married November 24, 1946 to her husband of 61 years, Dr. George O. Kirkelie. They moved to San Francisco where her husband completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1951, when they came back to Anaheim and established a dental practice. Her husband preceded her in death in 2008. She is survived by her daughter, Alyson R. Damiano-Purcha and son-in-law Brad Purcha of Anaheim, CA. Her only son, Dana G. Kirkelie preceded her in death in 2012. Grandchildren are Tara J. Damiano-Vasquez and her husband Brandon Vasquez of Orange, CA; Scott James Damiano of Anaheim, CA. Also step-grandchildren, Kristin Purcha, Nathan Purcha, Kyle Purcha and his wife Jennifer; and great-grandson, Wyatt Purcha all of Anaheim, CA. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Beverley Selken of Corona, CA and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was one of a large loving family of nine children. They are Rosa Kusian (Julius), Carrie Rindels (Eddy), Alvin Haan (Hazel), Harlan Haan (Ruth), Lorraine Fletcher (Lu Verne), Duane Haan (Bonnie), Muriel Card (Victor). Only Inez Ayers (Marvin) survives. Services will be held at Melrose Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, 2303 S. Manchester Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802 on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be immediately after in the mausoleum. Chaplain Steven Vermon officiating.