Shirley J. Morrow, 93, passed away peacefully at 1 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2020 at a private caregiving home, where she had briefly resided.
She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on October 17, 1927 to Harold E. and Mary M. (Parish) Moore. Her family later moved to Bloomington, where her father taught at Indiana University and where she attended college. She graduated from IU in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. While in college, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. In her senior year, she began dating a fellow student, Frederick C. Morrow, and on July 30, 1949, weeks after their graduation, they married in Bloomington.
Mrs. Morrow moved to Fred’s hometown of Plymouth, Indiana, where for more than 25 years she taught elementary students, primarily second graders, in Plymouth Community Schools. She interrupted her career to raise three children – Douglas, Susan and David – and eventually returned to the classroom, retiring in 1988. Over the years, she served on the local library board (1968-1988) and the Plymouth Park Board (1971-1983) and was a long-time member and president of Tri Kappa sorority. She also was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Plymouth, where she served on various committees.
She enjoyed watching sporting events, especially IU basketball and football games, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs. An excellent golfer, she played late into her life.
She deeply loved her family and took a keen interest in school and sporting activities of her children and grandchildren. Fred and Shirley’s home – first on South Michigan Street, then near Pretty Lake – served as the focal point for family holiday gatherings.
Mrs. Morrow was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Frederick. She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Dr. Douglas and Barbara Morrow of Auburn and David and Christine Morrow of Plymouth; one daughter and her husband, Susie and John Kreighbaum of Plymouth; nine grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah) Morrow, James (Allie) Morrow, Andrew (Olivia) Morrow, Nathan (Noelle Itin) Morrow, Phillip Kreighbaum, Marjorie (Joey) Hernandez, Claire Morrow, Katie (Lyle) Peacock, and Maggie (Ryan) McNeil; and four great-grandchildren, Raelynn and Joshua Hernandez, Britton Morrow and Carson Peacock. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Ann Moore Allen and Mary Ann Moore, and many nephews.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Thomas Moore and Harold E. Moore Jr.
A private family service will be Sunday in Plymouth, with the Rev. Toni L. Carmer officiating. There will be no visitation due to COVID restrictions. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Plymouth Public Library, 201 N. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563 or to the “Marshall County Community Foundation/First United Methodist Church Endowment,” P.O. Box 716, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Dan Chase and the Chase Family says
Sorry to hear about Shirley’s passing. She was always kind, stately, and a role model for all. My condolences and prayers to her wonderful family.
Julie says
Doug, Susie, and Dave,
Stan and I are so sorry for the loss of your mom. This picture of her is absolutely beautiful. That’s how I always remember her. ❤️ The Palmer’s 🎈
Shirley Gidley says
So sorry! Loved this lady. Shared so many laughs, as greed upon so many opinions, loved playing golf with her. And most of all What a kind , loving, caring individual, who made life much more pleasant fir so many.
Gif Bless, all of the family and especially to Shirley .
Mike and Sharon Blubaugh says
Doug, Susie,Dave
So sorry to hear of Aunt Shirley’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and will be remembered always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Sharon Blubaugh
Nelson Chipman says
Doug, Susie, and Dave:
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Cornerstone of the community, second mother to dozens of Southsiders. So sweet and kind to my parents these last couple years at Miller’s AL.
She is missed by many. Deepest condolences.
Teresa Campbell Sweeney says
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I used to see Shirley at Miller’s, when my Mom was still with us. Shirley was always so sweet and kind to me and she was a dear friend to my Mother. Shirley was one of my favorites out there and I always loved seeing her in the dining room. I wish you all peace and pray all the beautiful memories will bring you peace. Most sincerely, Teresa Campbell Sweeney.
Patricia Leech says
To the Morrow Family, Deepest condolences to all if you, we all know how hard it is to loose our parents. She was such a wonderful person. We love the picture of her, as I’ll always remember her.
Dale & Patricia Leech
Terri Johnston Keller says
Doug, Susie, Dave and families…
My heart hurts for you all. Just loved her smile and her classiness!! So fortunate that she produced some wonderful cousins for me!! Hugs and love to all….
Fred funk says
Dave and family sorry for your loss. god bless your family
Fred and Kathy Funk
Steve Keiser says
Shirley, you will missed by so many. Your caring love for family and friends always proceeded you where ever you went. You and Fred where like another set of parents to me growing up. I will always remember the great times and laughs we all had together. I know you and Fred will once again be sitting side by side watching the Hoosiers. God Speed.
Steve
Becky & Scott Mear says
Susie, I’m sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. Scott & I will be keeping your family in our prayers. I’m hoping all of your memories will help you thru this sad time..
Mike Lintner says
My sincere condolences to the Morrow family. Shirley was, in deed, a beautiful lady.
Janice Kinney says
Dave and Family,
Don and I were saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. I know that she lived a full life and that she and Fred raised a wonderful family. May good memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Sharon Scott says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Shirley from when I was her teaching partner in second grade at “old” Webster School. Shirley not only gave me advice about school but made me feel very welcome and glad that we had moved to Plymouth. I am thankful to have known Shirley.
Elizabeth J Wilcockson says
Dave, Chris and family,
I did not know your Mother but I am so sorry for your loss. No time is ever easy but this is an especially tough time of the year. It has been a tough year. May your happy memories help you at this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Lyn Ward says
Will so miss our visits and meals at Miller’s for many years. We could talk about anything, though it was usually politics! Hugs and much love to her devoted family!
Kathy Manuwal Herschberger says
I will always remember the kindness that Mrs. Morrow shared with everyone who knew her. Fred and Shirley and the whole Morrow family were bright lights to all of us living on the south side. Bless you all as you grieve your loss.
Dan Shuppert says
I loved Shirley and enjoyed seeing and speaking with her through my entire lifetime.
Visiting the gang on South Michigan Street as a youngster was always a treat.
I will remember Shirley as a class act and will forever feel that I was privileged to have known her.
My condolences to Doug, Dave, and Susan – I think we were all blessed to have such good parents!!
Dan Shuppert
Judy and Mike Delp & Family says
So many wonderful memories with the Morrow family – overnight stays, trips to Georgia, dinner table talks- such a precious part of my teen years… Shirley always reminded me of what a lady should be- grace, confidence and a beautiful smile. So love the picture of her here… Celebrating her long life and loving legacy while praying for Doug, Susie and Dave and families as you journey through these tender days…
Harold Lowe says
Dear Susie, Doug and Dave, I am sorry for the loss of your mother. Your family treated my family wiith great kindness and tolerance during our 10 years in Plymouth. None of you will ever be forgotten.
Jerry Clevenger says
Doug, Sue and Dave – I am saddened with the news of your mom’s passing. She was an icon in the Plymouth community and, quite honesty, my childhood. Your mom always had a warm smile and greeting for me – such a great family friend. Her life’s story told a wonderful tale but her greatest accomplishment was in raising three fantastic kids. My heartfelt sympathy to you and the rest of your family.
Sincerely,
Jerry Clevenger
Jerry Clevenger says
Doug, Sue and Dave – I am saddened with the news of your mom’s passing. She was an icon in the Plymouth community and, quite honesty, my childhood. Your mom always had a warm smile and greeting for me – such a great family friend. Her life’s story told a wonderful tale but her greatest accomplishment was in raising three fantastic kids. My heartfelt sympathy to you and the rest of your family.
Sincerely,
Jerry
Greg Renz says
Dave, Susie, Doug & families –
I was so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. I have so many fond memories of her over the years. Shirley was so kind to me and my family over the years – a second mom as I grew up on the southside and then a great friend as I became an adult. Wishing you all peace and love as you remember her legacy of a life well lived. God Bless!
Gary Peters says
Doug, Susie, and Dave: So sorry to see that your mom has passed. She touched so many thru schools, church, sports and serving Plymouth along with Fred. They can now be together again. She will be missed.
Rita Beck says
My sincere condolences for your loss. Shirley was such a wonderful person and always had a kind words for everyone.
Scott A. Samuels says
Rest in peace Mrs. Morrow. Thank you for your vast years of instruction.
My condolences to the Morrow family.
Shelley Heiden says
Shirley will be missed. But a first class ticket to heaven is hard to say “no” to. God Bless her family and the legacy she leaves behind.
Bob and Shelley Heiden
Susie Reinholt says
Dear Morrow Family,
I have so many fond memories of your mom, especially during her years serving on the library board. Her insight and guidance provided pathways to wise decisions for many years. A life well-lived.
Kathleen Flynn Fox says
Doug, Dave and Susie.
I was so saddened to learn of the death of your mom. She was always so kind and gracious. May she Rest In Peace.
Donna Taber Whitmer says
My sincere condolences for you loss. Shirley was a wonderful lady! I always enjoyed our conversations over the years…she will be missed. Sending prayers.
Wanda Couch says
My condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother, Susie. She was such a classy lady. She never gloated when she cleaned my clock on the golf course.
Wanda Couch says
My condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother, Susie. She was such a classy lady. She never gloated when she cleaned my clock on the golf course. I will remember her fondly.
Hal & Patricia McDaniel Kuntz says
Doug, Susie, Dave and families,
Hal and I have fond memories of both your Mom & Dad. Shirley was always gracious and offering kind words and smiles. She will be missed by so many. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Pat and Hal Kuntz
Jerry Ringle says
I had the Good Fortune of having mrs. Morrow as a teacher for the second and third grades in the late 40s early 50s. A Kinder or more compassionate person I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced. I’ve thought of her often over the years and will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers to her family
Carol Sue Rice says
Doug,Susie, Dave and families, So very sorry for your loss, will be thinking of you all during these difficult days ahead may you all find peace in knowing your Dad was right there waiting for her, loved them both❤️ Carol Sue and Dave
Barry and Leabeth Smith says
Dear Doug and Barbara and families, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Our thoughts are with you.
Ron Bollman, Anderson, IN says
Mrs. Morrow was a Excellent Teacher. In 1953 she held me back. (Back in those days they called in “Failed”). It’s the best thing that could have happen to me at the time, because I had trouble reading. I went on to become a very good reader. In fact I became a Radio Announcer after college, love books, and am a reader at my church. At any rate I would sometimes run into her and Fred while visiting Plymouth. I always “kidded” her, but went on to thank her. Today, looking back, she as a teacher, I can say I loved.
Now she is with Fred in her father’s arms. May she rest in eternal peace in the light of Christ. My condolence to all the family.
Ron Bollman
Paul Levett says
A Amazing lady, an Amazing life, and a Amazing family that carries on her legacy. Mrs. Morrow ripple effect will carry on through all of us who had the pleasure to cross her path.
Faith, Family and Friends
Clara Woolley says
With a heavy heart, I read of the death of Shirley Morrow. We had lived on the same South Michigan Street for many years. My last visit with her was at Millers’ Assisted Living. I was having lunch with another resident, saw her in the dining room, at which time she invited me to her apartment. She showed me her living space and proudly displayed pictures of her family. She mentioned Susan and was especially proud of a recent wedding in the family. She will truly be missed, with many good memories.
Phyllis Becker says
I student taught with Shirley at the old Webster School while they built the new Webster School. She was such a good mentor! That was in 1980 & she always remembered me whenever our paths crossed. She always had a smile! I will miss seeing her at Miller’s Assisted Living! She was a great role model!!
Ken Shilt says
Dave, Christine and family,
I was very sorry to read of your moms passing. It is difficult to lose a loved one, especially around the holidays. I know that she will continue to share her love for sports and family as she did here on earth, now with her heavenly Father. May you gain strength and peace has warm memories embrace your family. Remember that tears are the price we must pay for loving someone. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Bill Kirkley says
Sue, Very sorry to hear of you mother’s passing. Sort of puts a cloud over your Christmas this year. I know you will miss her. Losing our parents is always difficult. Take care and I hope to see you at the next reunion.
Dr. Bill Kirkley
Marilee Johnson says
I Loved Your Mom. And Your Mom and Dad were Friends of my Mom and Dad (George & Elberta Davis) I’m sorry I’m just now seeing this obituary. I’m sure you have wonderful memories of them both. Love to You All, Marilee