Mary Ellen Morrison

Mary Ellen Morrison, 77, went home to be with her savior on June 26, 2013.

Mary Ellen was born August 30, 1935 in Walla Walla to George and Mary Erdman Benzel. She attended Paine school and graduated from Wa-Hi in 1953 and Eastern Washington University in 1957. Teaching was her passion and she taught for Walla Walla School District from 1957-1992, mostly teaching business at Walla Walla High School.

Mary Ellen married Bob Morrison on December 18, 1954. Together they had three children. She is survived by Bob Morrison her husband of 58 years along with her children; Susan DeRuwe (Mike) of Prescott, WA, Kay Mueller (Jim) of Lake Elsinore, CA, Tom Morrison (Stacy) of Walla Walla; her grandchildren, Deanne Wilbur (Josh), Dirk DeRuwe, Travis Morrison, Tyler Morrison; and one great grandchild Abram Wilbur.

Mary Ellen always put her family first. “I live to see our children smile” was on a post-it that was found and “You are My Sunshine” was her favorite song. She enjoyed family, entertaining, camping, dachshunds, teaching, Walla Walla, and everything Wa-Hi including planning class reunions. She made many scrapbooks and was the keeper of the family history. After retiring, she spent winters living in their RV in Las Vegas and summers in Walla Walla, Wallowa Lake and the Oregon Coast. Special trips included time in Alaska fishing, Disneyland, a trip across the United States and the Grand Canyon.

Mary Ellen was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Elks Club, Elks RV group, Odd Fellows Rebecca, Walla Walla Retired Teachers Assoc., Wa-Hi Alumni Club, and a past member of WWEA, WEA, Phi Delta Kappa and Washington State Business Association.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Monday, July 1, 2013 at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1420 S. 2nd St., Walla Walla, WA with Pastor Joel Ley officiating. The graveside service and burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery with a reception following the burial at Christ Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Walla Walla Community Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association through the funeral home.