Rozella Keller Rusby Morris, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the age of 87, at her home in Hinckley, Utah due to cancer. She was born February 1, 1929 in Hinckley, to Ernest Lucian and Zina Jane Ames Keller. During her early years, she helped in the home and on the farm, and always loved and helped care for her handicapped sister.
Her youth was filled with service, tending children, caring for the elderly and cleaning homes. She had many gifts and talents, one was a beautiful singing voice. She sang at many church and community functions. She performed the lead in Hinckley High School Operas. She formed a trio with Carol Moody Cropper and Ione Hilton Christensen, whom also had beautiful voices and sang at many occasions. She worked on her school newspaper, and won a State Poster Contest.
After graduation from high school, she married Willie Glen Rusby on November 10, 1947. They had two children: Bonita Rose and Robert Glen. Willie worked in Mineral Mines and wherever his work took him, she made a nice home for their family. Willie was killed in a mine at La Sal, Utah on October 16, 1961 at the age of 37.
She later married James Wesley Morris on February 14, 1963 in Hinckley. They had a baby boy, Billie Joe. Jim had been in the Air Force, and when he came home he continued flying as a brush pilot (crop duster). They moved to Wenden, Arizona in 1969. She worked as the secretary in their business, and sometimes as a flagman out in the fields. Jim died on October 24, 1997. She loved keeping her artistic hands busy, crocheting, painting, even a little carpentry work, and was always finding ways to help others. She also chronicled her family memories, always having a camera in her hand.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved the Relief Society and served in several callings, she also faithfully attended the temple.
Rozella is survived by her daughter: Bonita Rainsdon, Delta; sons: Robert G. Rusby and Billie Joe Morris, both of Hinckley; 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; sister: Julia Keller, Hinckley; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a baby boy; her husbands: Willie G. Rusby and James “Jim” Morris; sisters: Wanetta Spor and Mardean Keller, both of Delta.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, 11:00 am, at the Hinckley Ward LDS Chapel, 188 N. Main St. A Viewing will be held Saturday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Hinckley Cemetery.
Rozella’s family thanks Dr. Smith and all the Hospice workers for the wonderful they gave mom.