Janet K. Morrow

Janet K. Morrow, age 62, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with her family at her side after fighting pancreatic cancer.

Janet’s Life and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Bob Lacey officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Armour, South Dakota. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, followed by a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dougherty Hospice House, 4509 Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Janet was born June 16, 1962, to LaVerne and Lu Becking in Watertown, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm south of town with six siblings. The Beckings were known for their large family gatherings, where Janet spent time with her relatives and many cousins playing games both inside and out. As a child, Janet was active in 4-H, raising cattle and horses. 

Janet graduated from Watertown High School in 1980 and attended Northern State College, earning a Special Education and Elementary Education degree. She furthered her studies at USD, earning a Master’s in Education. Janet’s teaching career spanned 39 years, teaching hundreds of children and even grandchildren of former students. Janet was more than just a teacher. She lived and breathed teaching to all those she encountered. She was always looking for ways to impact others, young and old, in a positive and lasting way. Janet always proved her kindness and generosity through deeds, often anonymously, and felt strongly about leaving the world in a better place through her determination, strong will, and loyalty to those she loved. From a young age, Janet sketched, painted, and showed her creativity. She became an accomplished artist who graciously shared her talent to bring joy to others.

Janet met Joe Morrow at Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. They were married and became lifelong partners on October 29, 1983, when they embarked on their life's journey, raising their family and pursuing their passions. Janet completed her student teaching certification in Valley City, North Dakota. She taught for three years in Poplar, Montana. Janet and Joe then moved to their permanent home in Yankton, where Janet taught for fifteen years in the third grade and twenty-one years in fourth grade at Beadle Elementary. 

Janet valued her faith and spending time with family and friends. She loved reading a good book, gardening, sharing her flower arrangements, and pursuing her love of art by drawing and painting. The greatest joys of her life were her two boys and the addition of a daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren. 

Janet is survived by her husband of 41 years, Joseph Morrow; two children: Luke (Micah) Morrow of Bellingham, Washington and John Morrow of Watertown, South Dakota; two grandchildren: Owen and Oliver; parents, LaVerne and Lu Becking; six siblings: Lonnie Becking, Dan Becking, Wayne (Tammy) Becking, Roger Becking, Mark Becking; Julie (Lonne) Senska; mother-in-law, Darline Morrow; three sisters-in-law: Gretchen (Alan) Bray, Ann (Gregg) DeSpiegler, and Jane Morrow (David Cascadden); and many nieces and nephews and their children. 

Janet was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Ronald Morrow.

Final Janet quotes to live by: “A little kindness goes a long way.” “Leave the world in a better place.”