CRITCHLOW, Nell Alice

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ Wednesday, January 05, 2011 Nell Alice Critchlow, 87, of Wickenburg passed away on Dec. 28 with family and friends by her side. She was born Oct. 15, 1923 in Kansas City, Mo., to Harry and Helen Rankin and had one brother, Ralph, who preceded her in death. Nell married Lew Critchlow on August 29, 1942 and they resided in Kansas City. In 1963 his employment with TWA brought a move to St. Louis. Nell was the registrar at Mary Institute in St. Louis for more than 25 years, delighting in her students and making each one a special part of her life. In 1990 the couple moved to Sun City to enjoy retirement and reunite with family and close friends. After her husband’s death in 2000, Nell worked at Waldenbooks in Sun City. In 2004 she moved to Wickenburg where she volunteered at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. Nell is survived by a daughter Linda (Paul) Woley of Wickenburg, grandson Darrin (Rena) Woley, and great-grandsons Rankin, Grayson, Turner, and Hayes all of Atlanta, Ga.; also nephew Glenn Rankin of Independence, Mo. Nell loved reading, writing and crossword puzzles. She was witty, kind, and always young at heart. She showed eternal optimism. Her caring nature and interest in life made many smiles along the way. She will be missed by the many friends she made in Wickenburg and throughout her life. The family greatly appreciates Hospice of Arizona whose care and support, both now and seven years ago, have been so very important, and the many friends they have made at My Fathers Retirement Ranch. A private service will be held at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, Ariz., on Jan. 10.