Gene Lois Moorhead

Moorhead, Gene Lois Bear
Gene Lois Bear Moorhead, 93, of Sun City West, AZ, loving spouse and parent, loyal friend to and of many, elementary teacher, passed peacefully at the Hospice of the Valley (Ryan House) in Phoenix on July 7, 2012. Gene was married for 69 years to the late Rex Knoke Moorhead. She is survived by her four children raised in two hemispheres, Van Rex Moorhead of Longmont, CO, Gaye Lynn Moorhead, RSM, of Phoenix, AZ, Ted Alan Moorhead of Grand Junction, CO, and Jay Moorhead of Newark, DE, two daughters-in-law, Cynthia Moorhead and Gina Moorhead, and three granddaughters, Keely Pellouchoud (Caleb), Hannah Moorhead, and Julia Moorhead. The daughter of Otis J. Bear and Fay Maude Goodson Bear (a fan of female author Gene Stratton-Porter, she chose the spelling of her youngest daughter's first name accordingly), Gene was born in Gifford, (Champaign County), IL, in 1919 and spent most of her childhood in Kempton, IL, where she graduated from high school in 1937. When Otis sold his grain elevator, the family moved to Leipsic, OH, and Gene attended Miami University (OH) for one year. It was on her transfer to Bowling Green State University (OH) she met Rex, and the course of a loving life partnership was set. It was there, too, as avid bridge players, that they and four other student couples formed friendships that endured throughout their lifetimes. In 1940, upon her completion of a three-year teacher's training program, Gene taught elementary students in Bettsville, OH; after Rex's graduation the following year, he joined her on the faculty. Rex's enlistment in the Army Air Corps led to his assignment in the meteorology program at the University of Chicago, and Gene moved there, where, as required, she had to live separately with friends. She found employment at Marshall Fields and later at General Electric in Cicero, IL. During the war, when Rex was stationed in England and France, Gene lived in Lima, OH, and worked as a blueprint analyzer for Westinghouse. Like most military families, the Moorheads moved often, and Gene, known for her quick-witted humor, warm hospitality, and enduring life interests (including bridge) enjoyed many rich friendships throughout her years. She taught kindergartners at Yoyogi Elementary School (Washington Heights, Tokyo), and later, elementary students at the Air Force Academy, Colorado, and in Livonia, Michigan.
Memorials may be made to Sisters of Mercy New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West Community (www.mercynyppaw.org), St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance (www.fastfoodbank.org), or the Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org). Interment of Gene and Rex will be at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery on August 13, 2012.