Lura Alice (Patsy) Burkhardt Morris

Pat Morris’ life came to close on January 14, 2021. We will miss her, but are glad she had a long and good life, almost 92 years. Pat was loving, thoughtful, graceful, gentle and kind. She was a writer, poet, composer, and musician. Pat was a daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend. She was strong and alive, a woman of faith. Pat left in peace, and knowing her family would be ok, she left with joy. She now lives with the angels. Pat was born on January 26, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri. Her parents, Reverend Carl and Haidee Burkhardt soon moved to the small community of Liberty, where Pat’s father became pastor of Antioch Community Church. Pat was named for her Aunt Lura, and her mother’s middle name Alice. However, her sisters decided she would be called Patsy, which was later shortened to Pat. Her siblings included Anna Jane, Connie Nelson, Bessie Linvill, Carl Jr., Robert, Reba Roorbach, and Bill. Pat enjoyed her childhood years, and shared memories in her book “Adventures From Younger Days, Growing up in Liberty, Missouri, in the 1930s and 1940s”. Pat’s lifelong desire for simplicity was nurtured during her childhood years as she loved music (piano and flute), reading, nature, gardening, trees, sunrises, birds, sewing, swimming, and imaginative play. She loved her family and honored her parents. While attending school in Liberty, she met her future husband Tom Morris. Senior year of high school they were chosen Popularity King and Queen. Both attended William Jewell College, and were married October 21, 1948. The next years were Pat’s busiest as she and Tom raised eight children, with moves among several Midwestern states. The final move with their family was to Webster Groves, Missouri, where Pat fulfilled her dream of composing music and writing poetry. She also became a sales representative for World Book, and was complimented by her husband for her competitive spirit. During the years of family growth and transitions, a great sadness occurred with daughter Peggy’s cancer diagnosis and death. Pat became the comforter for Peggy, and the family. Her poems became a source of comfort for all, and are now shared “As The Spirit Gives Utterance A Collection of Poems”. One year later, Pat wrote “Tom and I decided to move to Tulsa where four of our children lived with their families. I am very glad we did.” Pat is predeceased by husband Tom Morris, daughter Peggy Hawn, son-in-law Tom Nally, and granddaughter Brooke Bennett, born at rest. She is survived by children Martha and Bob Coons, Randy Hawn and Marissa de Paulis-Hawn, Karen Nally, Carol and Art Bennett, Donna and Hank Tomlinson, Tom Jr. and Connie Morris, Gary and Pam Morris, John Morris and Joan Griffin; Grandchildren Rob Coons and Chrissy Mayer, Bill and Cecilia Coons, Erin and James Anderson, Bethany and Josh Jensen, Megan and Craig Stauffer, Patrick and Meg Nally, Doug and Laura Nally, Caroline Nally, Brittany Bennett, Caitlin Bennett, Paige Bennett, David and Layla Tomlinson, Addie and Mike Psathas, Thomas and Audrey Morris, Allie and Tyler Frakes, Rachel Morris, John and Alexya Morris, Nicole Morris, Melinda and Forrest Buckner; Great grandchildren Evie, Kyle, Carson, Caden, Ella, Kaya, Logan, Cole, Cameron, Josie, Maggie, Kerri, Thomas, Elizabeth, Lindsay, Caden, Evelyn, Charlotte, Owen, Lucas, Adelaide, Harleigh, Emma, Palmer, Hadley, Marin, Reese, Olivia, Colt, and soon to arrive Tinley; cherished sister-in-law Harriet Morris; many loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. “Sunrise” by Pat Morris I see layers of gray clouds soft stretches that just lie; tiny fissures of rosiness gently pinken the sky At last, bright against the blue a fiery ball, the rising sun; my heart leaps for joy morning has come, it is done. Arrangements are under the direction of Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso, Oklahoma. Due to COVID, a private burial will be held at Forest Hill Calvary Cemeteries, Kansas City, Missouri. An online Memorial Service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Antioch Community Church, 4805 NE Antioch Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64119.

Lura Alice (Patsy) Burkhardt Morris

January 26, 1929 - January 14, 2021