Mackenzie & Ben Morelle

MORELLE, Mackenzie Taylor “KK” age 17, Benjamin Charles “Benny” age 13, of Powhatan, Virginia.        On May 23, 2021, on a Sunday afternoon and a single moment in time, there was a single car accident that changed our lives forever.  Kenzie left us on that day and her brother Ben followed her on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.       Kenzie, with her graceful and sweet demure was treasured by all that knew her. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and was never afraid to take on a new opportunity.  She loved a good adventure and was a giver to her family and friends.  She was a volunteer for the local VBS program at our church for two years, offering guidance to the younger campers.  Kenzie could be spotted easily, as she always stood out with her signature red hair.  Most of all, she was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin.       Ben was a charmer, a singer and so lighthearted. He was fun, with a contagious laugh that carried in a crowd.  He touched everyone he met, always making them laugh or smile.  Ben liked people, always talking.  He spent Ohio summers at VBS school where he put his heart and soul into his music performances – his natural ability to sing will be forever missed.  He loved the local parks and never shied away from a good game of Dodgeball or Capture the Flag at family night in the park.  He too was always ready for a good adventure.  Most of all, he was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin.       You never saw Kenzie without Ben far behind.  Both were part of the   National Park’s “Junior Ranger” program.  Some of the key National Parks that they visited were the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, in search of “Wilbear Wright – Aviation Trail”.  Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay, Ohio – “Don’t Give Up the Ship” and the New River Gorge National Park outside of Beckley, West Virginia – the home of “Mary Draper Ingles, Follow the River”, history our family is part of.  A family saying on our many drives over the mountains, following the many rivers, “Mary - she is still walking”.  Beckley, WV is a halfway drop off point between Ohio and Virginia – now a family meeting place and tradition.        Kenzie played Lacrosse and Ben was a Cross-Country runner in Virginia, both having many school friends and family there.  The parks were another place that you could find them, participating in local park programs and community events. They were part of the Centerville Americana parade on two separate occasions, once representing the “National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution” and the other representing the youth for the Normandy United Methodist Church, Centerville, Ohio.  Rounding out their Ohio summer stay was the annual Caudill family reunion hosted in Preble County, Ohio, followed with a special staycation or key attraction in the area, i.e., the Dayton Art Institute and Kings Island, just to name a few.  Put-In Bay and the golf carts became a family favorite.  They did not come to Ohio during the summer of 2020 due to COVID restrictions.           They were both preceded in death by their father David John Morelle. They were survived by their mother, Jennifer Michelle Morelle, nee Shinn. brother, Zachary David Morelle.       Grandmother, Linda Sue Shinn, nee Phillips (Kevin Hayes), Aunt Sara Renee Shinn, Uncle Michael Anthony Shinn II and special cousin Jayce Mitchell Shinn, Great Grandparents Bobby Charles Phillips (d- Carol Ann Phillips, nee Ramsey). D- Uncle Philip Charles Phillips, Aunt Sharon Kay Mallow, nee Phillips, Cousins Kelsey Alexandra (Justin) Thompson, nee Mallow, special cousins Alexa, Easton, d-Emmy Isabella, Cousin William Tyler Mallow.         Grandfather, Michael (Kyoung Hee) Shinn, Aunt Lisa (Dennis) Jones, nee Shinn. Uncle Dwain Shinn, Great Grandparents Judy Shinn, nee Woolery (d-Don Leroy) Shinn. Grandparents Roxanne (Michael) Wentworth, Aunt Dana (John) Cosgrove, special cousins Jackson & Anthony; Uncle Sam Wentworth. Great-grandparents, Robert & Karen Wentworth.       Grandparents d-David Arthur (Carol) Morelle, Utica, New York. This does not include the many other special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that surrounded them, too many to name.        As we celebrate Kenzie and Ben’s life – we remember what a gift from God they were to us all and how deeply they will be missed.  We also remember that they were not afraid to experience all that life had to offer.  It is our hope that you will continue to remember them both by making your own memories – be part of your community, march in parade, dance when everyone is watching, hike or walk in a new park, sing a song out loud, visit a museum and most of all, experience camp.  With each new journey – keep Kenzie and Ben in your memory and in your hearts.  They were always up for a new adventure, they loved their family and friends, new and old and truly loved to live life. To honor Mackenzie and Ben - Memorial contributions can be made to: The Normandy United Methodist Church, 450 W Alex Bell Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459 – specific to the Vacation Bible School Day Camp Summer program. The Central Presbyterian Church, 4699 Lamme Road, Dayton, Ohio 45439 c/o the Steve Watson Memorial Fund specific for the Camp Kirkmont Center - send a “Kid to Camp”. Or help to send a “Kid to Camp” in memory of Mackenzie and Ben by choosing your favorite camp - i.e., church, band, sports or a favorite specialty camp - always remembering that life is an adventure and meant to be lived.    Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting    www.gsbfuneralhome.comA family memorial service will be announced at a later day and time.“Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”