The passing of Delores K. Metcalf Morrell, affectionately known as “Dee,” has left a profound impact on her community. She was born on August 3, 1943, in Vallejo, California, and passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, in Anthem, Arizona. Delores was a dedicated educator, a loving wife, and a cherished mother and grandmother, whose vibrant spirit touched many lives.
Delores was the daughter of Irene and Charles Dickens. After her parents separated when she was only three years old, her mother remarried Claude Metcalf, who helped raise Delores. During her high school years, she legally changed her last name to Metcalf. The family later moved to Arkansas, where they operated a chicken ranch. Delores graduated from Lamar High School in 1961 and went on to receive her degree from the University of the Ozarks in 1965.
Delores began her teaching career that fall at Booneville High School in Arkansas, where she taught English for three years. In 1968, she transitioned to Red Bluff Union High School in California, where she made a lasting impression as an English teacher and yearbook advisor for the next twelve years. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as she actively participated in various vocal groups and choirs, and became a member of the Fitzhugh Society, a local literary group established in the 1880s.
In June 1981, Delores met R. Barry Morrell, and they married on June 27, 1987. Their partnership brought joy and growth to their family, including their daughter Megan Rene’ and granddaughter Morgan Ashley.
In June 1990, Delores faced a life-altering event when she was involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. The accident resulted in serious brain trauma and significant injuries to her right leg, requiring an extensive recovery that included six weeks in intensive care and ten weeks in the hospital. Despite the challenges she faced, Delores returned to teaching, though her injuries necessitated a shift in her career. She became the Director of the Independent Study Program at Red Bluff Union High School, a position she held until her retirement in 2000. In recognition of her contributions, she was named the California Independent Study Teacher of the Year in 1998.
After retiring, Delores continued to serve the educational community by establishing the Independent Study Program for the Yuba City Charter School, where she worked part-time until 2011. Following her full retirement, Delores and Barry enjoyed extensive travels across the United States and internationally, utilizing their trailer for remarkable journeys lasting up to five months. They also took several cruises and visited destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
In recent years, Delores faced health challenges as the long-term effects of her auto accident resurfaced. By 2025, she experienced a significant decline in her health, which included two serious falls that resulted in a broken pelvis and hip. This prompted her and Barry to relocate to Arizona to be closer to their family. Delores passed away eight months after her second fall, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication.
Delores is survived by her husband, R. Barry Morrell; her daughter, Megan Rene’ Lush; her granddaughter, Morgan Ashley Lush; her brother, Richard Metcalf; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, including notable figures from her community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Red Bluff Community Center on March 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m. This gathering will honor Delores’s enduring spirit and the countless lives she enriched throughout her remarkable journey.
