Bertha Lacy Morse

Bertha Lacy Morse

Bertha was born Nov. 24, 1911, in Chicago, Ill., to Harry and Minnie Seawell. She died on Dec. 18, 2008, at Providence Hospital.

She grew up in Chicago and completed high school there. She then went on to successfully complete a secretarial course. Bertha and Arwood K. Morse grew up together and were childhood sweethearts. Arwood and Bertha were married in Chicago on Aug. 4, 1934. They moved to Oregon in 1938. They were together for over 67 years.

Bertha was a homemaker. She was on the Rogue Valley Hospital Board, President of the Rogue Valley Auxilliary and was honored for her volunteer work at the hospital when her hours were tabulated above 11,000. She then managed and ran the gift shop and snack bar.

She belonged to the First United Methodist Church, as well as the Woman's Society and sang in the choir. She has been active in this church and activities for over 60 years. Bertha was a member of the Zuleima Temple #13 Daughters of the Nile, Eastern Star Reames Chapter #66, for over 50 years. She was a lifetime member.

Bertha liked to knit, read, and do crafts. she was an excellent seamstress, hostess, and cook. She loved flowers and had a beautiful rose garden. She enjoyed gardening and working in her flowers. When she no longer could do her planting, her children did it for her and kept her surrounded with the flowers that she loved. She enjoyed helping others and was always happy. She never complained. Her strong faith and good sense of humor and positive attitude, helped her live a long fulfilling life.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Arwood (Woody) Morse; parents, Harry and Minnie Seawell; and sister, Aletha Penniman. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Morse; daughter, Linda Morse Rue and her husband Gary Brew, of Medford; three grandchildren, Greg Morse, of Medford, Brian Morse and wife Marcy, of Central Point, and Jeffery Rue and wife Shona, of Las Vegas, Nev.; seven great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Brady, and Summer Morse, Jaid, Andrew, and Ethan Morse, and Karissa Rue; niece, Susan Dossey Rice, of Elk Grove, Calif.; and nephew, Raymond Jablonn, of Fremont, Calif.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 607 West Main St., Medford, Ore., 97501. Reverend Linda Tucker will officiate.

Donations may be made to St. Anne Catholic School, 1131 N.E. 10th Street, Grants Pass, Ore., 97526. Flowers may be sent to the church in memory of Bertie. Friends may leave a message in the guestbook at www.perlfuneral.com. A graveside service was held Dec. 22, 2008.

Arrangements by Perl Funeral Home Medford 779-3677.