Ruth Agnes Moorehead

“BE REASONABLE, DO IT MY WAY” Agnes Ruth Mary Powers Murray Moorehead, 93, of Fort Collins, died December 26. Ruth lived a life of joy, fellowship, teaching and love. Born in New York City, Ruth also lived in North Tonawanda, NY; Vero Beach, FL; and Fort Collins, CO. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Hunter College in New York City and her Doctorate from Niagara University in Niagara Falls, NY. She had a full career as an educator and counselor before retiring from New York State. While teaching, she also managed to raise three children. Agnes Ruth Mary Powers Murray Moorehead was a character. She enjoyed entertaining – take your finest crystal glass, rim it with lemon peel, drop it in, fill with ice and pour the Crown Royal freely. Her idea of a good time…Dance, sing, and have good conversation. Enjoy afternoon bridge. Yearn for spring & plant your flowers. Walk up and down Mountain Avenue. Stop in at work and visit her Larimer County friends, who made sure she was safe. Ruth also traveled extensively – Ireland, England, Spain, Italy and the Vatican. She said they saw Italy on their knees. And the ruins of Greece and Turkey. She told stories of drinking tea and eating dates in a Bedouin tent in Las Palmas, Canary Islands. She cruised the Caribbean – turquoise waters of the islands, and the Panama Canal. Ruth loved the ocean, especially the Atlantic. She spent summers on Long Island and in beach houses in New Jersey. They soaked in the sun as she smothered all the kids in lots of zinc oxide, all while catching crab and lobster, and making us save money in a Skippy Peanut Butter jar. Ruth was active at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church and taught and volunteered at Saint Joseph’s School. Ruth loved to travel, garden, paint, quilt, and golfed into her 80’s. Ruth is survived by her daughter Christine Murray (partner Teresa Lupiezowietz); son, James Murray (wife Betsy); sister, Jane Harney; grandchildren Michael Murray (wife Darcy), Ryan Murray, Zachary Murray, Megan Pierce (husband Brian); great-grandchildren Aaron, Aiden, Cole, Christian, and Oliver; sister-in-law Winifred Murray; nephew Richard Harney (wife Pat) and their children, Jessica and Rich and spouses; nephew Gerard Harney (wife Susan) and their children, Kathleen, Judy and Tim and spouses; multiple great-grandnieces and a great-grandnephew. She was preceded in death by her parents Agnes and James Powers; sister Helen Neary; brother-in-law Tom Neary; and brother-in-law Dick Harney; son Paul Murray; stepson Jon Moorehead; husband Arthur Murray; and husband Robert Moorehead. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to our local Alzheimer’s Association, St. Joseph’s School or the charity of your choice. Great thanks to all the caregivers at Collinwood Memory Care. Mom was cared for with love and respect from all who worked with her. A heartfelt thanks to Suncrest Hospice for their care in her last week of life – such a special group of women. Another thanks to Volunteers of America. AND a special thanks to friends and family who took good care when it was needed most. Ruth had much love in her life and many mountains to climb. She did it with courage & grace, fortitude and faith. All who knew her know this. We, her family, are proud and honored that you are reading this brief excerpt of Mom’s life. Thank you.

Ruth Agnes Moorehead

December 9, 1924 - December 26, 2017