Elizabeth Jean Morgan, 89

Elizabeth Jean Morgan, 89, of Sedalia, Missouri, died Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center. Born near Paola, Kansas, she was the oldest child of Alfred and Mabel Nelson. She lived in Kansas City before attending college in Ames, Iowa where she trained in teaching.

Before her marriage she taught kindergarten, and she remained a teacher for many years through her work as a 4-H leader and in church classes.

Elizabeth, known as Beth to all, married Thomas Clifford Morgan May 28, 1949, and they lived near Parkville, Missouri for almost 30 years.

They were charter members of the Platte Woods United Methodist Church, where Elizabeth taught Sunday School and trained Vacation Church School workers. As a result of her work in 4-H for Platte and Benton Counties, where she led county-wide projects in entomology, she was awarded the 30 year leadership medal and later, the Silver Tray Award.

A committed volunteer in school, church, and community, Beth led a vigorous, active rural life. After retirement to Warsaw, Missouri, she and Clifford helped found the Damsite Dancers Square Dance Club and also helped form a local security patrol. A lifelong passionate reader as well as an amateur artist, Beth loved learning:  she and Clifford became amateur archaeologists, active in the West Central Missouri Archaeology Society. A natural at almost any creative activity, Beth sewed for her family for years, making clothing, unique aprons and curtains, embroidered linens, and butterfly nets. She loved music and singing.

Beth leaves two children, Kathryn Louise Marshall (Alan) of Sedalia, a retired teacher, and Thomas Dee Morgan (MJ) of Manhattan, Kansas, an entomologist; a beloved grandson, Dr. Daniel Marshall of Sedalia, and four granddaughters: Lila Walsh of Madison, Wisconsin, Shelley Knapp of Indianapolis, Kristina Brannon of Pickerington, Ohio, and Adelle McFarland of Seattle.  She also leaves many nieces and nephews who remember her fondly, and three lively  great-granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2009 and a sister, Carolyn Clevenger, in 2012.

Arrangements are in care of Heckart Funeral Home and Cremation Services, and condolences may be offered at www.heckartfuneralhome.com.  Interment will be at Fisher Cemetery near Preston, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Sylvia Thompson for their support and especially, for their regard for Beth. Through their efforts, Beth’s last years held interest and dignity, and she was able to share her memories of what she called “my good life.” The family would also like to thank Crossroads Hospice, Dr. John Wendt, Reverend Rick Adams, and members of Wesley United Methodist Church for their support