Martha Jane Morrison, 86

Martha Jane Morrison, 86, of Portsmouth, died, on Nov. 23, 2012, following a long illness. She was born March 4, 1926 to Karl Anthony Seidel and Eva Marie Snyder Seidel, of Minford. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Carl Joseph Morrison. They were married June 21, 1947 at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church, Wheelersburg, where she was a lifetime member.

Jane is survived by her children: Joseph (Carolyn) Morrison of Piketon, Martha Potts of Mississippi, Mary (Mike) Davis of Wheelersburg, Barbara (Ronald) Conn of Portsmouth, Elizabeth (William) Shaffer of Portsmouth, Anita (William) Daehler of Portsmouth, Carla (Kent) Willis of Barboursville, and Nancy (Wayne) Bloomfield of Piketon. Her grandchildren are Christy West, John (Crystal) Davis, Andrew (Sonja) Davis, Jeremy Davis, Elise Conn, Christopher (Amy) Shaffer, Timothy (Ellen) Shaffer, Sarah Shaffer, Mark Shaffer, Christie (Jason) Robbins, Elizabeth (Jeff) Matt and Zachary Bloomfield. She also had 18 great-grandchildren.

Her siblings are: Betty Figlestahler, John Seidel, Rosemary (Donald) Newman, Rita (Jim) Brennan, David (Phyllis) Seidel, Ruth (John) Sloan, James (Phyllis) Seidel, and Sue (Roy) Sigritz.

The valedictorian of Minford class of 1944, Jane turned down a full college scholarship in order to serve in the WWII Civil Service. When the class of 1944 established an academic scholarship, Jane worked to select the most deserving applicant. She served as a catechism instructor and was a church choir member for 70 years, since the age of 16. As the leader of the 4H club “The Merry Stitchers”, and as a reading tutor, she was able to teach many youth. Her primary role remained as dedicated wife and mother.

Memorial donations may be made to SOMC Hospice.

Services are under the direction of Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, Wheelersburg, with visitation from 5pm to 8pm on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, followed by recitation of the Rosary. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at St. Peter in Chains, Wheelersburg.