Emma Ernestine “Ernie” Morris age 87, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. She was a resident of Benton for over 50 years. Loving wife mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ernie was married to William A. “Buck” Morris for 67 years, before his passing in 2014. She is survived by two daughters, Rhoda Gail Morris of Tucson, Arizona and Debra Lee Morris Fleming (Bill) of Appleton, Wisconsin. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Ashlee Hawley (Brian) of Great Bend, New York; William John (Billy) Fleming of Appleton, Wisconsin; and Levi Morris Fleming of Appleton, Wisconsin, and two great-grandchildren, Camdon Fleming and Carter Hawley.
Ernie was an active member of First Baptist Church in Benton. Always willing to assist with the youth’s activities in church and could be counted on to provide transportation, food, chaperoning, or whatever was needed. Ernie was also an active member of the Lucy Helm mission circle.
Ernie volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a Brownie Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader and 4-H Leader. She was also a member of the Franklin County Home Extension. Professionally, she worked at the Bank of Benton for many years. At home, Ernie enjoyed cooking and baking and was an excellent seamstress. She also enjoyed planning and traveling on yearly vacations with Buck, Rhoda, and Deb. Ernie was well liked by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
In addition to her husband Buck, she was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest & Arrah Kimmel and two sisters, Arrah Groves and Iris Love. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and several cousins.
Services will be held on February 6, 2016. A private family burial will be held at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery. A public Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church in Benton at 2:00 P.M. on February 6, 2016. The Reverend Mark Minor will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church in Benton.
