Betty Jane Roper Morris, age 90, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016, in Riverton, Utah. She was born January 6, 1926 in Oak City, Utah to Parley L and Margaret Walker Roper. Betty grew up in Oak City. After graduating from Delta High School, she earned a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education from BYU. During the same period, with increased degree requirements for teachers, her mother, a school teacher, had to go back to school; and they graduated together in June 1947. She returned to Hinckley and taught Home Ec and Dance at Hinckley High School.
The stove broke in the high school where she taught, so she called the local appliance repairman, Eugene W Morris. After their meeting, he found many opportunities to “check on her.” They married July 16, 1948 in the Manti LDS Temple and raised 6 children. She was a wonderful mother, supportive wife, and good neighbor in the Hinckley community.
In about 1966, Eugene went back to college in Cedar City. While he was going to school and then later while teaching school in Fillmore, Betty could usually be found running Hinckley’s store, Morris Supply, along with her children and grandchildren. Eugene passed away on December 26, 1986. The store closed soon after and Betty retired.
Betty loved making things beautiful. She doted over her flower garden and loved to sew, making Easter dresses every year for her 5 daughters. She also loved to redecorate and update her home. She loved music and shared her talent playing the piano. She enjoyed the outdoors, traveling extensively, and going camping on many family vacations. She compiled the life histories of her parents and has scrapbooked many of her family’s special times.
Betty was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving in many different callings. As a widow, she served a family history mission in West Virginia (May 1991-October 1992), and volunteered countless hours serving in the Manti Temple (1993-1999).
During recent years, she has lived in Riverton in the care of her daughter, Mary Kae, whose kindness extended to allowing Betty to do what she loved spend time in the flower garden. Betty was very grateful to all her Hinckley friends who kept in touch and supported her.
Betty is survived by her children: Ruth Anna (Roger) Howes, Hinckley; Janet (Dee) Perry, Payson; Lee (Lorie) Morris, Hinckley; Mary Kae (Kelly) Nielson, Riverton; Sheila (David) Curtis, Eagle Mountain; Roslyn (Bruce) McWhirt, Oak City; 30 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister: Anna Rachel.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 11:00 am, at the Hinckley Ward LDS Chapel, 188 N. Main St. Viewings will be held Monday, 6:00-7:30 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary; and Tuesday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Oak City Cemetery.
Her family would like to thank Valeo Health and Hospice for their tremendous help in caring for her so she could spend her last days in the comfort of Mary Kae’s home.