Kathie Morris

Long-time Springdale resident Kathie Morris passed away peacefully on the morning of September 19th, ending her nearly life-long battle with several chronic illnesses. She is survived by her brother Curtis Morris, his wife Kelly, and their daughters Ashley and Natalie, as well as extended family, most all of Springdale. Kathie was born to John and Donna Morris on October 8, 1962 in Oklahoma City. The family followed John's work to posts in Oklahoma and Virginia, eventually settling in Springdale to be close to family in the area. They purchased an auto parts store where Kathie helped out after school, and she graduated from Springdale High in 1981. Kathie's health challenges began early, and she lived with her parents most of her life. She continued work at the family business, and assisted her parents with the care of several aging family members. She briefly worked as a CNA, and volunteered with the Northwest Medical Center Auxiliary. After becoming a member of the First United Methodist Church in Springdale, she volunteered at the Bread of Life and found great joy teaching three-year-olds in Sunday School. She loved her family but especially her three nieces, Ashley, Natalie, and Remi. As her health declined her mobility suffered, but not her determination to remain active in church and Sunday school. Kathie's later years were filled with numerous hospital stays and countless trips to various specialists, and yet her pain increased while her health decreased. After entering a nursing home, she stayed busy delivering newsletters and organizing bingo games, enjoying visits from family and friends from church. Kathie never gave up on herself, informing everyone within earshot that someday she would walk again and regain her independence. It was not to be, however. Her painful struggles mercifully ended when she went home to be with the Lord, just shy of her 60th birthday. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the First United Methodist Church of Springdale's Bread of Life Food Pantries, and the Circle of Life Hospice. (Charlie, there's probably a better, standard way to say that–CM)