Susan Ann Morris

Susan Ann Morris, 62, of Kalispell, passed away early Sunday morning. 

She was born in Havre, Mont., on Jan. 3, 1951, to the late Frank and Dorthe May.  She went through the public school system, and graduated from Havre High School in 1969. During her high school years, she was active in most of the sports offered to girls, and excelled in track and field. Susan enjoyed her high school years with many, many friends, creating entertaining stories that will be told for years to come. 

Susan graduated from Northern Montana College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a minor in English. She was married in 1969, and had three daughters: Karen, Kori, and Katie. In 1985, she married her best friend and high school sweetheart, Jack Morris. They had met in eighth grade, and she knew this was the man she wanted to share her life with.  She was so thankful to be able to spend almost 28 years with him.

Susan spent most

of her life working in partnership with Jack, operating their upholstery business, The Recovery Room. She dabbled in every craft imaginable, from jewelry making to quilting to building prized cowboy boot lamps.  There were few things that Susan couldn’t do, whether it involved a sewing machine or a power tool. One of her shining accomplishments was a cancer ribbon quilt that she created for the Relay for Life.  This sought-after quilt was later featured in a popular publication, and has become a template for others to follow.

Susan loved life, especially her friends and family.  She treasured time spent with them, whether it was splashing in a wading pool in the back yard with the grandkids, or relaxing in the peaceful serenity of Lake Pend’Oreille. Susan also had a soft spot for animals, and was famous for “finding” lost critters and doing her best to rescue them.

Most people will remember Susan as a fighter.  After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Susan defied all odds to live for not two years, but for eight.  She inspired others with her strength, kindness, humor and wit. Susan truly made an impression on everyone she met.

Susan is survived by her husband Jack; her three daughters Karen (David) Barr, Kori (Clarence) Knight, Katie (Blake) Wiles; and her eight grandchildren Trae, Nick, Kaylee, Cameron, Emily, Gracie, Olivia and Breanne; as well as her brother, Bucky May, her sister, Karen (Dick) Wright, her nephews Bill (Michael Moody) Wright, Frank (Pam) Wright, Eric (Amy) May, Rob (Kirsten) Baker; her niece Nikki (Casey) Eagleberger, her sister-in-law Beth (Dave) Rucinsky; and many additional cousins, nieces and nephews. Susan was preceded in death by her first grandchild, Brooke, and her sister-in-law, Linda May. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to either the Humane Society of the Flathead Valley (www.humanesocietypets.org), or to K.I.N.D (Kids in Need of Desks) at UNICEF (www.unicefusa.org/kind).  Both are organizations Susan felt strongly about.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the family residence.  Please bring favorite stories to share.