Mary Morrison

Mary Ann Flora Morrison, age 79, of Battle Creek, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Bronson at Home Hospice Residence. Daughter of Raymond D. Flora and Frances Ricica Flora, Mary was born on April 16, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio. A few months later, she would move to Saginaw, Michigan. In 1950, after the death of her father, Wesley G. Neumann became Mary’s loving stepfather. In 1955, Mary graduated from Arthur Hill High School. Marriage soon took her to residences in Lansing, Berkley, and Royal Oak, but in 1969, she moved to Battle Creek where she would live for almost half a century. Friendly and efficient, Mary enjoyed part-time employment along the way, but marriage and her children were her chief calling. In leisure times, she enjoyed reading, playing piano, and gardening and she delighted in a good party and family reunions. When reading or watching TV, she loved having little Rex close at her side. She was also a sports enthusiast: she and Hugh would make many trips to Ann Arbor. Their loyalty once took them to Pasadena for a game; later it led them to Hawaii. On the debate team in high school, Mary did not lose her declamatory touch, impressively demonstrated when she joined the Pennfield Optimist Club. Later, following her recovery after a lengthy illness, she shared her testimony during the morning service at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Faith was a core value in Mary’s identity. Mary is survived by her husband Hugh Morrison, sons Kenneth Pagel (Jennifer) and Richard Rivard; daughters Donna Walton (John) and Kelly Morgan; grandchildren Joshua Moon, Christine Walton, Heather Ellenwood, Amber Daep, Mary Lou Johnson, Beth Radziewicz; seven great grandchildren. Mary also leaves brothers Joseph Flora (Christine), Michael Neumann (Joan), and Dennis Neumann (Sue); sister Donna Jean Kahler (Russell); stepdaughter Linda Morrison (Mike Wales); and stepson John Rivard. Mary was predeceased by sister Joyce Maul and brothers James Flora and Wesley C. Neumann. In her long final illness, Mary was grateful for her caring doctors and nurses, support from her church, and hospital chaplains, and for the Hospice staff at Bronson and for the diligence of her family regularly at her side, cheering and supporting. Mary kept that special wit active to the end. Her family was buoyed by her courage and her love. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, 703 Capital Avenue, S.W. on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 349 Capital Avenue, N.E., on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Larry Gorlitz officiating.  Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Calhoun County Animal Center. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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