Helen M. Morris

Helen M. Morris, 89, of Olathe, Kan., passed away Dec. 14, 2007, at Johnson County Care Center. She was surrounded by family and friends during her last hours. Helen was born to Michael and Mary Wiacek in Kansas City, Kan., on July 18, 1918. She married Robert I. Morris on May 30, 1942. Most of her life was spent in the Kansas City area, but Helen and her husband moved to Moundville in 1974 and lived there until 1994 when they returned to the Kansas City area. They were married for 57 years and five children were born to their union. Bob preceded her in death on Aug. 30, 1999. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Stella Strouhal. Helen was raised in Kansas City, Kan., and attended St. Joseph Catholic School, in the Polish Community.

Helen's legacy was well-known all over the country. Her kids shared her life stories with friends, family, co-workers and even strangers. She always wanted to know what and how your family or friends were doing. Her last years were spent embroidering many projects (this one was always the last one).

While she survived many hard times, Helen never gave up. She was a simple woman with simple needs. Throughout the years she fed family, friends and strangers by the fruits of her labor in her beloved garden. She shared everything; if she made a pot of soup everyone had a bowl. Her giving ways had no limits and she passed this giving spirit on to her children. Our mother loved her favorite foods, especially Polish dishes and mashed potatoes and gravy.

Survivors include her children and their spouses: Robert I. Morris (Mary Ann), Lake Lotawana, Mo.; Mike Morris (Betty), Moundville, Mo.; Chris Rodenbaugh (Ron), Raytown, Mo.; Camille Benedict (Daryl), Olathe, Kan.; and Jenny Gray (Larry), Leavenworth, Kan. She was also survived by 11 grandchildren including Josh, Tim, and Joel Morris, of Moundville, and two great-granddaughters.

A memorial service will be held in January, 2008, since Helen and Bob were donors to the KU Willed Body Program.