Thelma J. Morton

MORTON, PERSKE, GRIFFITH, SCOTT, KOTENBRINK, LAUER, GROTH, KEPPEN, WARREN

Posted By: dbeier (email)
Date: 1/26/2008 at 13:02:13

INDEPENDENCE - Thelma J. Morton, 90, of Independence, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at the West Village Care Center, Independence, following a short illness.

Thelma was born April 1, 1917, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of David & Rosa (Perske) Griffith. She graduated from Independence High School in 1934. She married Luther Morton Oct. 1, 1934, in Rockford, Ill. She was instrumental in organizing the PTA of the Independence schools. She was secretary of the women's organization at Immanuel Lutheran Church, a Cub Scout den mother and Brownie leader.

She was a member of the Rebecca Lodge, King's Daughters & Sons and belonged to the Merry Mixer Square Dancers. In March of 1974, she started the senior citizens meal program for Hawkeye Valley Area 7. The first meal on site was April 1, 1974, and served 100 people. She lived for 62 years in the home her husband built in 1937.

She is survived by her six children, Noreen (Duane) Scott, Kingwood, Texas, Dr. Luther (Sue) Morton, Verona, Wis., Sheryl (Rod) Kotenbrink, Hudson, Wis., Linnea (Vern) Lauer, Marshall, Minn., Ingrid (Steve) Morton-Groth, Marion, and David (Mary) Morton, Marion; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister in-law, Hazel Keppen, Minneapolis, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Josselyn Warren; five sisters-in-law; and a brother-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Independence, with the Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Burial: Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, and from 10 a.m. until services Monday at the church.