On Monday, May 1, 2023, Katherine (Kate) Claire Howell Morris passed away at the age of 75. Kate was born on July 6, 1947, in Holbrook, AZ to John and Fanette Howell. She was married to Richard K Morris on April 27, 1968, in Holbrook and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Utah temple in 1979. They had been married for 55 years. In 1969, they moved to Farmington, NM where they raised their four children – Stacey, Chad, Mary Kate, and Lisa. In 1988, they moved to Safford, Arizona, where they made their home for the rest of their lives.
Kate was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having joined in 1977. She enjoyed serving in various callings in the church, especially working with the youth in the Cub Scouts and Young Women’s programs, as well as serving several years as Relief Society secretary and preparing the bulletin for the Safford 2nd Ward.
As a stay-at-home mom, Kate was always involved in supporting her children in their activities. She was also a talented crafter and seamstress. Kate will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.
Kate is survived by: her husband, Richard; her four children, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with two more on the way – Stacey Parson (Jerry deceased) and Haley; Chad (Nikki) and Kaden (Ashlee) and Bristol, Garrett (Malory) Austen and Zoë, Ellerie Franklin (Carson), and Porter; Mary Kate Mattice and Seth and Kyle; and Lisa Clark (Joseph) and Kaiser, Imauri, and Morrison; and her sister Anne LaJeunesse. Kate is preceded in death by: her parents; and older brother, John.
Kate will be remembered fondly for her devotion to her family and her love of serving others.
A Celebration of Kate’s Life will be conducted Saturday afternoon, June 17, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., at the Safford Twentieth Street Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Paul Badger of the Safford Second Ward. Kate will be laid to rest at the Joseph City Cemetery.
The family suggests donations to Tunnel to Towers, or a hospice or a cancer organization of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
