Burris Joann Ruppel, 73, lifelong Morgan County resident, died early Monday morning at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland. She was born March 6, 1937 in Brush to John Wesley and Darlene Mae Harris. Joann married Richard P. Ruppel November 19, 1960 in Fort Morgan. They have made Fort Morgan their home where she has been involved as the secretary- treasurer of their family business, the Horizon Turf Nursery. She also worked for the Farmers State Bank, the Carriage House Realty, and her favorite job was selling Longaberger Baskets. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer where she taught Sunday school for many years. She has also been very active in the community serving as Cub Scout Leader, Campfire Leader, teaching CPR through the Red Cross, taking care of the animals on the farm, and spending time with her friends and family. She has enjoyed the most recent years traveling with her family and grandchildren. Most recently they adventured out on a Disney Cruise. Even though she has endured some medical complications in the past, she has always kept her will to survive and encourage others to do the best they can and to be positive in their daily lives. Joann is survived by her husband Richard of Fort Morgan, her son Dick Ruppel and his wife Melissa of Fort Morgan and her daughter; Becky Rushold and her husband Tim of Windsor, grandchildren, Wyatt and Ashlynn Ruppel, and Ryan, Kyle, and Sarah Joann Rushold, her sister; Dee Dee Enfante and her husband Ector of Northglenn, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Veldon Harris and Bruce Harris. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 10:30 am at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Fort Morgan. Inurnment will follow in the Serenity Falls Columbarium. The family has requested that in honor of Joann's bright and cheery spirit, those attending her services, please wear bright and cheery clothing. Friends who wish may make memorial donations in Joann's name to the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer 1100 W. Platte Ave. Fort Morgan, CO 80701.