Julia Ann Morris

1946 - 2025

Julia Ann Morris, 78, of Scottsdale, AZ died peacefully at her home on February 8, 2025. Born to Cecil and Alice Morris of Lincoln, Nebraska, Julie attended Pius X High School and then obtained her degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She began her journalism career at the Detroit Free Press and worked at newspapers around the country including the Dallas Times Herald, the Houston Chronicle and USA Today. After obtaining her masters degree, she worked as an editor at the Pensacola News Journal and later at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix until her retirement. One of her proudest accomplishments was being selected for the team of Detroit Free Press reporters covering the Kent State Massacre. Their coverage of this pivotal event in the anti Vietnam War movement was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. A lover of the outdoors, Julie explored many parts of the country hiking and camping. She rafted the Grand Canyon, backpacked the John Muir Trail in the California mountains, explored the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and many National Parks. In retirement, she took a solo trip to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. She became interested in politics early in life and volunteered for several presidential campaigns and local races. Julie was a voracious reader and formidable Scrabble player. She volunteered as a tutor for children with reading difficulties for many years. She also volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and with OLPH Catholic Church helping the homeless population. She visited her family often in Lincoln, Nebraska and joined them for many family camping trips. Visiting her was always fun because she delved into the history of her place of residence and she sought out unusual sights, restaurants, and events and delighted in sharing them with guests. Julie is preceded in death by her parents. She will be greatly missed by her companion of 42 years, Dianne Boudreaux, her siblings John (Kathy), James (Lynda), Joseph (Connie), Jerome (Shirley), Janet, and Jean, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews. Julie will be remembered by friends and family at masses said in her honor. Donations honoring Julie's life may be made to the Denver office of the Trust for Public Land or to the Phoenix Society of St. Vincent de Paul. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Julia, please visit our Tree Store.