Leatha G. Morton
July 16, 1924 – February 03, 2017
Leatha Genevieve Martin Morton was born July 15, 1924 in Wolbach, NE to Clarence and Edna Martin. She departed this life on Feb. 3, 2017 at the age of 92 years, 6 months, and 19 days.
Leatha grew up on a farm in rural NE. She and her three siblings enjoyed life on their farm and attending the Methodist Church where their mother played the organ. Her family moved into the nearby town of Wolbach, NE, as she was entering the eighth grade so that she could attend high school. Her senior year, as she was expecting to graduate as the Valedictorian of her class, she contracted an infection that settled in her heart. Although her doctor told her that no one lived more than two years with that condition, Leatha showed her quiet determination and vowed to fight. She spent six weeks flat on her back, with her sister Shirley helping keep ice packs over her heart. With God’s healing touch, she recovered and returned to school the next year, graduating as Valedictorian of that class.
Leatha then attended college to realize her dream of becoming a teacher. That dream was fulfilled in 1943 when she was hired to teach grades 1-8 at a rural school. She lived with a family in the district and was required to keep her room clean and her bed made or she could be fired from her position. She had to walk the 1 ½ miles to the school each day, but she loved teaching and was so happy to share knowledge and make a difference in the lives of the children in her classes.
During the summer when she wasn’t teaching, Leatha worked at a munitions plant. That was where she met the man she called her “Hero.” Her cousin introduced her to a man they called “Curly,” Mack Morton. They were married and then Mack was discharged from the Army Air Corps and sent home to Bristow, OK. Leatha followed him to Bristow a short time later, where they established a home and started a family.
Leatha and Mack were blessed with two children: a daughter, Madelyn, and a son, Terry. Leatha has always called her children the joy of her life, and she wanted to be certain they knew the importance of both God and family. She enjoyed giving Wednesday evening lessons at the Church of God with her little ones close by, and spent many happy days gardening, canning, sewing, and reading, while helping Mack with the farm.
She resumed teaching at a small school in Newby, OK, and worked in Dr. McAllister’s office in the summers, later working at both Edison and Washington Elementary Schools in Bristow. She never lost her love of learning, and continued to take college classes at UCO and OSU.
She enjoyed being a member of the Bristow Business and Professional Women’s Club, and served as their Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President, and President. After retirement, she became interested in genealogy, and joined the Daughters of the Union Veterans, where she served as State President. Leatha and Madelyn traveled all over the United States doing genealogy research and visiting too many cemeteries and courthouses to count.
She was also very proud of her three grandchildren and loved not only attending their activities to cheer them on, but also cooking Sunday dinners for the family so that they could all gather together after Church. Once the grandchildren married and started their own families, Leatha adored her great-grandchildren and loved every minute she spent with them, whether reading to them, singing, or pulling them in a little red wagon.
She is survived by her Daughter, Madelyn Zickefoose and husband Gary, of Jenks, OK; Son, Terry Morton and wife Robbie of Bristow, OK; Grandchildren: Leatha Jill McDonald and husband Steve of
South Pasadena, FL; Holli Taylor and husband Jeff of Sand Springs, OK; Justin Joe Morton and wife Jessica of Sapulpa, OK; 2 Step-Granddaughters: Lisa Bishop and husband Mark of Calera, OK; Denisa Newton and husband Bruce of Mannford, OK; and 6 Great-Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Mack; 2 brothers: Lee Martin and Glen Martin; and her sister, Shirley Morton.
Funeral services for Leatha Morton (92) are 11:00 am, Monday, February 6, 2017 at Oak Street Church of God with interment to follow at the Bristow City Cemetery.
http://www.hutchinsmaplesfuneralhome.com/home/obituary/4098410
