Morrell, Esther Elizabeth 1918-2014

MORRELL, LAMBERSON

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 1/12/2015 at 10:12:21

Esther Elizabeth Morrell, 96, of Clinton Iowa died on November 20, 2014 peacefully of natural causes. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 Friday Dec. 12th at the Pape Funeral Home, Clinton. A gathering of friends and family will be held Friday 10:00 AM until the service hour at the funeral home. Burial will be at Springdale Cemetery, Clinton. Donations in her memory may be made to the Nature Conservancy, Arlington Va. at www.nature.org/ or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com

Esther was born on March 7,1918 in Clinton, Iowa to Albert and Margaret Morrell. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1936 and went to work in her father’s architectural office in Clinton. She spent some time studying art and design at the University of Iowa. She held several other office jobs during World War II and worked for a time in Chicago designing wallpaper. She established an interior design business with her sister Jean in 1950, Jerel Interiors, which continued until her retirement in 1988. Her innovative yet functional designs graced many residential, commercial and public buildings in the Clinton area as well as other parts of the country. Her sister Jean and brother Albert predeceased her.

In addition to interior design, Esther had a lifelong interest in nature and gardening and her flowerbeds in Clinton were much admired. She was also a watercolor painter and loved bird watching. Those who knew her will long remember her charming, witty sayings, and her impeccable style.

Esther is fondly remembered by her four nephews and one niece; Ralph Morrell of North Carolina, Edward Morrell of Colorado, Marjorie Morrell Lamberson of Pennsylvania, William Morrell of Pennsylvania and Robert Morrell of Georgia as well as by her seven grandnieces and grandnephews and her many faithful caregivers including her longtime assistant Richard Sykes.