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Clara A.
Morris Birth: 6/22/1920 Death: 1/27/2006 Interred: |
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Visitation Information: none
Obituary: Grandma was able to love in ways only a grandma could. Many of my most vivid childhood memories take place at Grandma's house. Walking into the kitchen with the aroma of dill in the air, stovetop littered with pots of boiling jars, and Grandma with her apron on hard at work creating her amazing pickles. Grandma always made sure everyone had plenty to eat by insisting you take that third helping of potatoes to finish them off. If I happened to just stop by to say hello,” one of the first questions she would ask me was if I had eaten yet and offered to make me something. The cookies simply were what touched my heart the most. It meant so much to me to receive a tub of my favorite soft molasses cookies from Grandma. I cherish each and every quilt she made for me and her grand children. Grandma was there on my very first fishing trip (even though she couldn’t swim and was terrified of water). The long road trips to Idaho. Going in the old Ford to pick Grandpa up and filling its bed entirely full, but always making it home just fine. Grandma was always there for me and I know she loved me dearly. I love you, Grandma, and I will cherish all the wonderful memories you helped in creating. We all share Donald’s feelings. Clara was passionate about quilting and regularly entered her blankets in county fairs, often receiving blue ribbons for her hard work. She also ensured any baby entering the world within her circle of family and friends could lay their head on one of her gingham crib quilts. Her quilts were fashioned with love to warm our hearts as well as our bodies. Clara was a member of St. Michael’s Church for 59 years and a member of Catholic Daughters and Altar Society for over 50 years. She was also a long-term member of the Rosarian Guild. She had many dear friends and spoke fondly of them. Family always came first to Clara and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren Donald Gregor, Monica Lewis and Teresa Lewis; and her great grandchildren Sydney Gregor and Anderson Gregor. Her love was unconditional. Nancy, her youngest daughter, wanted to share her thoughts with everyone: I have so many good and kind and lovely memories of my Mom. I remember 1962 when we went to the World’s Fair in Seattle and waited in line for four hours to ride to the top of the Space Needle. When we finally got to the top, I had to go to the bathroom and Mom said, “I thought I told you to do go before.” That day, Dad won a huge stuffed dog that was as big as I was. I remember getting lost for a bit – turning around and Mom and Dad were gone. When Ann and I made cookies, we ate so much of the cookie dough and Mom wondered why there were hardly any baked cookies. I remember when I brought Donald home from the hospital and having a dinner at Mom’s with Ann and Don and my grandparents. How loving and caring she was to her grandchildren and how she was always there for them. Mom was always helping me out when I needed it, if it was financial or emotional. I always knew my Mother loved me. Our family has so many more stories we could share. Clara was a very special lady. Clara is survived by her daughters, Ann Lewis (Don), Nancy Phillips (Alan); three grandchildren: Donald Gregor, Monica Lewis (Tyra Schenaurlt), and Teresa Lewis; two great grandchildren, Syndey Gregor and Anderson Gregor; four brothers: Bart Nuxoll and Lloyd Nuxoll from Greencreek, Idaho, Donald Nuxoll from Appleton, WI, and Art Nuxoll from Hayden, Idaho; three sisters: Isabelle West from Appleton, WI, Alice Kowalski from Keuterville, ID, Pauline Frei, Cottonwood, ID. Clara Ann Nuxoll Morris had many friends and she will be missed. Guestbook Entries |
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Date: 2/8/2006
From: Yuri Sagawa
Message: I was not privileged to know Clara Morris, but knowing what such wonderful people her daughter Ann and husband Don are, she must have been remarkable indeed. The stories on here are very special. What blessings she has given the world, with her presence and with her children. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Date: 2/3/2006
From: Joe and Judy Keefe
Message: I fondly recall Ann and I driving to her Mother's house a few years ago to see her wonderful quilts. I vividly remember the beautiful quilt frame Don had made, especially for her, all set up with a quilt in progress. Clara retrieved quilts from under the bed, in closets, in drawers and those displayed in her home and held a private quilt show just for "ME"...one I will never, ever forget. Joe and I were fortunate to celebrate Clara's 85th birthday last summer with her family and many, many dear friends. There will be an empty place at the table, but many memories of that darling red haired lady named Clara! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ann, Don and Family. Love, Joe and Judy
Date: 2/2/2006
From: Tim and Beth Nuxoll Forsmann
Message: When Clara and her family came to Greencreek, it was high excitement for all. She had a charisma that jumped out at you and was such a joy to visit with. I can remember when Grandma died June, 1993 that it was said that Clara wouldn't be coming to visit anymore and I was so appalled. She sent a beautiful quilt when our oldest, Justin was born in '79, and I tried to use it but I didn't want to ruin it so it's safely tucked away and I thought someday I would hand it down to him. Our sympathies to Ann and Nancy and their families, I know they will miss her very much.
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Sarah Wright
Message: From very early on, I have always loved and admired Clara. She was my "Godmother" at birth and I have always had a special place for her in my heart. As a child, I remember countless times of going to Olympia to see the "city" and all the sights. I also have one of her quilts and have always cherished it. Our last visit to see Clara was in August of 2005 and I have fond memories of her and her family. She will be truly missed.
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Randy, Erin and Anna Nuxoll
Message: To Clara and Ed's family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. We will always remember the visit we made in the mid 80's and the warm hospitality they offered and the filberts they shared. We keep you in our prayers during this difficult time and hope your loving memories will offer you comfort.~Our love and prayers, Randy, Erin and Anna Nuxoll ~ Eagle, Idaho
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Doug Morey
Message: I first met Clara on July 4th 1999 at a picnic in our neighborhood. We hit it off right away. She had such a good sense of humor and I will sure miss her at Don and Ann's annual garage sale. We had a nice visit at Don and Ann's Xmas open house in Dec. It was good that she was able to stay in her home and be close to all the folks that loved her.
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Alan Phillips
Message: Clara was a wonderful mother, and grandmother. Nancy and I will miss her very much. I treasure the quilt she made for me, I sleep with it every night. Clara was not feeling well this Christmas, so my son Ben and I went and visited her. Ben and I started a fire for her because she was cold. Ben and I visited with her and talked about the house and how it had changed over the years. I could tell she was glad that we had visited her. I visited her in the hospital the day before she passed away. She was in good spirits and we had a good visit. She still had her sense of humor. She said that she was sorry, but could I leave because the nurse would not come back until I left. I can still remember she smiled at me when I left. I told her Nancy and I would come visit that weekend. I have many good memories of Clara. I have always felt fortunate to have known Clara. God bless you! Love Alan
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Linda Cooper
Message: Dear Ann, Don and Nancy:
Larry and I returned home from a trip to Mexico to learn of your mom's death. I called Sarah immediately and as always, she had been in personal contact with you. Please know that we love and care about all of you. After reading your mom's obituary, it brought back so many memories --- and all our fun times together. Larry so enjoyed your mom at our party and I was only sorry we couldn't have seen her in the past few years. However, with having a new family (Larry's parents, sisters, our new grandchild and son in law), Larry's leukemia and both of us working full time we do not get any further than the immediate family. Please know how much we are thinking about all of you and wish we could have attended the funeral services. I am planning on calling you next week when things settle down as I know you must be exhausted. Take care of yourselves.
Love,
Linda and Larry
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Liz
Message: Ann and family,
I know that the Lord will be with you in your time of loss. Helping you to remember the great times you all had together. I am sure your mom is looking down at you with smiles, and enjoying her new home.
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Long time neighbor and friend, Ronda Bradeen
Message: I wrote this the Friday evening of her passing...
Clara died this afternoon.
When my family moved to Olympia in 1961 we had the MAJOR good fortune to buy a house next door to Clara Morris. Her daughter Anne is my closest long term friend.
In the 60's I knew her as Mrs. Morris! and always addressed her as such. In 1981 after having grown up, moved away, come back to buy again the family home which was NEXT DOOR to Mrs. Morris... I had an obsitcle to confront. SHE expected me to call her 'Clara'!!! It took a while....
Her daughter Anne had two lovely daughters of essentially the same age as my son Jeff and she insisted that he call her Grama Morris as they did.
We lived years of her being the kind of neighbor that is not just THERE, but THERE before you know that you NEED a neighbor!!!
I had a huge garage sale, and was swamped... I also had a toddler... and no help... she arrived to 'lend a hand'.
The same 'toddler' (Jeff by) would drive me to a bit of distraction from time to time and she would KNOW and show up with some cookies or inviting us to come over for a piece of pie...
Oh... OH the PIE!!! Rhubarb pie.................. The land speed delux over the top to die for RHUBARB PIE!!!
Well, also the dill pickles.... another story...
So, this afternoon, she made her exit from out lives.
It was peaceful and with dignaty, as much as any of us could want. She has not been 'well' for some time and has been in and out of the hospital several times lately. She has taken great pride in being able to 'take care of herself' and she has lived independantly throughout. Important to her and with quality support from Anne and Don to say the least.
Last night, in the hospital, she ate quite well and was totally alert having a good gab with Anne and Don and feeling happy. This morning things turned down and the hospital staff called Don. He called Anne at work to tell her that there were concerns at the hospital and that he was ON HIS WAY to pick her up to take her there.
They arrived in time to spend some precious exit moments with the wonderful woman who is now, no longer with us on this earth, in this particular paradym.
Her shy smile, her reliability, her fortitude, her commitment to society, her quilting and her endless contributions to the world being a better place are now on a different scope.
I believe that the "Good" in Clara is not something that ends. I take forward with me every day the experience of having known, of haveing been trusted by, and having been honored by enjoying a positive relationship with this person who chose to make a positive impact on the planet EVERY DAY OF HER LIFE.
She touched so many. Within all the works fo her Guild, the endless quilts that she contributed to Pregnancy aid and gave as gifts to so many of us...
Her passing is a loss to many, to me included. However, within this experience I have learned what a great amount of support I have with family and friends from whom I have experienced many expressions of love for me, in response to my loss. Leave it to CLARA to give one last lovely gift... There has just never been getting ahead of that Woman!!!
With love, affection and great regard
Ronda Bradeen
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Dena Mowell
Message: To Ann, Don and Family:
I am especially saddened today because I am ill and could not attend my friend, Clara's Mass. However, I was comforted by the wonderful picture of Clara that accompanied her obituary in our local paper. I met Clara when I joined St. Michael's Rosarian Guild and soon learned that she was the "anchor" to our guild --- a loyal and tireless worker. I will always cherish her friendship and guidance. I know, too, that the other members of our guild are sharing my same views. May it comfort you to know there will always be "a chair" at our meetings for Clara! God Bless you and yours.
Date: 2/1/2006
From: Tammy Baldus
Message: Dear Ann, Nancy, and Families,
I remember a trip our family made to Olympia, a long time ago. Your Mom made a great cake with coconut frosting - still my favorite. The last time I visited with your Mom she told my sister Sarah & I stories about our Mom at a younger age and our parents courtship. It was very interesting. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tammy
Date: 1/31/2006
From: Peter Taylor
Message: What a wonderful person she was. I'll always remember her fondly. I never knew her background, thank you for sharing.
Date: 1/31/2006
From: Judy Brees
Message: Ann, Don and Nancy. Sorry to hear about your Mother. I am also sorry that I didn't get to see her one more time. The years go so fast. It's nice you all lived so close and could spend so much time together. You will always have so many nice memories. My Mother has been gone 10 years and I still think of her often and have so many things I would like to share with her. Since I just started quilting, it always reminds me of your mother. I can still see her sitting at her quilting frame. You all are in my thoughts.I will call soon, Judy
Date: 1/31/2006
From: Annette Gregor
Message: Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of all of you at this time of sorrow. Especially you Nancy and Don. I know that she was a big part of your life and she was always so friendly even though there was tension in the air. You are very blessed to have had such a great peson in your life but now she can be with the man she loved dearly. My thoughts and prayers are truly with you during this time.
Annette
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Doug Follett
Message: Ann, I read the stories about your mom. What a wonderful person and what great memories.
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Julie (Kowaleski) Wilson, Canberra, Australia
Message: Ann & Nancy. Lorraine sent a message on Saturday that Aunt Clara had died. I well remember your visits to Idaho when we were kids -- and "running around like little Indians" through our house in Grangeville. My thoughts are with you.
Love, Julie
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Lynne and Dave Jacobsen
Message: Having just recently lost Dave's beloved father, our hearts go out to you knowing how deeply this loss will have affected you both. I am sure that Clara is in that special place in heaven where the coffee is always on and something wonderful is in the oven. You were blessed to be at her side during her passing, one more gift she could share with you. We will be thinking of you and send thoughts of love and healing to your hearts.
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Marilyn Pedersen
Message: I am so lucky to have had the pleasure and privilege of Clara's friendship. Clara's hospitality and never ending supply of my favorite cookies were part of my 8 pound weight gain during last year's legislative session!
Clara allowed me to admire her artistry and I was dazzled by the beautiful, intricate designs in her quilts. Conversations with Clara provided much needed sanity breaks during stressful work weeks. She had a keen sense of humor and relished a good laugh.
My son, R.J. and I will miss the opportunity to savor Clara's treats. Clara's generosity, kindness, love and deep faith were evident to all who knew her. Clara was an exceptional model of Christian hospitality and charity. I shall keep my special memories of her and hope that God is not counting calories, now that Clara's arrived in heaven.
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Mindy Schaffner
Message: Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I know you were very close and have so many fond memories. You are fortunate to have lived close to her and share your lives together throughout the many years. We are just never ready to let our loved ones go, but this special lady will always live on in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. Fondly, Mindy
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Doug & Mellody (Nuxoll) Gregg
Message: I always smiled when I would hear Clara's name. She was always so interested and pleased to talk to us. What a treasure she was and the memories you have will always be. We are thinking of you.
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Carla Nuxoll Wilkins
Message: Clara was my Godmother and I so enjoyed it when she visited. I have a quilt she made me in the late 1980's-- I've never used it which I'm sure would pain her, but it felt like such a special gift I was concerned about wearing it out. To this day, it is draped across a trunk in my bedroom so I think of her often.
The last time she visited us, I had her over for dinner. She was such a lively & complimentary guest. I was so looking forward to seeing her at Lynnae's wedding 1 1/2 years ago and wished she would have been well enough to come.
I regret that we won't be able to make it to her funeral.
Date: 1/30/2006
From: Lorraine Nuxoll
Message: Clara was my sister-in-law and I always enjoyed having her visit.
When I was dating her brother he told me that she was a favorite of their Mother.. When her Mother was aging and not interested in listening anymore Clara would come to visit.. Mother wouldn't need a nap that whole week . She would pull her chair up closer to hear every word Clara had to say and when the week was over , she would let the world go by again.
My husband Bart remembers when she first left home she brought grapefruit home from the coast .They had never had that before and when we have that he often mentions that time.