Mrs. Ruth Margaret Bennett Merrell Ferrari, age 91, of Newnan, Ga., passed away on Dec. 6, 2012. She was born on Aug. 19, 1921, in Denver, Colorado. She is preceded in death by her parents, Catherine Bennett Pizzani and Peter Bennett; first husband, Horace M. Merrell; step-father, Daniel Pizzani; son, Robert Daniel Merrell; sister, Veronica Dugay, and brother-in-law, William Dugay.
From 1942 to 1944 Mrs. Ferrari served as a communication specialist in the U.S. Navy where her unit was involved in deciphering Japanese codes. After the war she was a buyer for Macy’s in New York City and for Rich’s in Atlanta.
She is survived by her husband, Walter J. Ferrari of Newnan; sons, Joseph and wife Chris Merrell, Michael P. Merrell; daughter-in-law, Ethlyn “Sam” Merrell; grandchildren, Joseph and wife Roberta Walker of Atlanta, Justin Merrell of Atlanta, Anna Merrell of Newnan, Jessie Merrell of Newnan, Jonathan Merrell of Newnan; stepdaughters, Christine and husband Arthur Dunn of New York, Patricia and husband Gerry Cook of South Dakota, and Nancy Panara of Peachtree City.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com .
A memorial mass will be held at the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church on Monday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Dan Fleming to officiate. Burial will be at Carrollton City Cemetery in Carrollton, GA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church at 3 Village Road, Newnan, GA 30265.
McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson St., Newnan, GA 30263; 770-253-4580
