Iris Dean Shaw was born January 31st, 1929 to Robert Emmett and Velma May (Graves) Shaw in a farmhouse near Pomona, Franklin County, Kansas. She left this life and entered the eternal life she hoped for on March 15, 2018. She had recently celebrated her 89th birthday with all of her children. Preceding her in death were her Husband, Russell E. Morton, parents, and Stepfather, Vern Sink, Son-in-Law Michael Tieszen, and Daughter-in-law Sharon (Gaer) Morton.
Iris attended Silver Lake and Chappel Hill rural elementary schools in Franklin County, Kansas, and Appanoose Rural High School, also in Franklin County, graduating in June, 1947. Iris and Russell Earl Morton were married June 6th, 1948 at the home of Russell’s parents in Ottawa, Kansas. They were happily married for fifty six years until Russell’s death May 26th, 2004. Together Russell and Iris had five children; David Earl, Roger Dean, Michael Wayne, Glenda Jo, and John Vernon. They were, and still are, a very close family, and following their parents example, all have long-lasting marriages.
Iris and Russell made many sacrifices for their children, although they would not have thought them sacrifices. They taught their children to work hard and develop their individual talents, to do everything as if it were being done for God, and to honor everyone as more important than themselves. Russell and Iris taught these lessons by example.
Iris made certain that her children grew up to be self-sufficient; able to cook, clean house, iron a shirt, use what is available to make what is needed, and every other life skill. Iris was wise enough to let her children work out their own problems rather than get too involved in trifles, but she was always ready to help her children and friends when necessary.
Iris is survived by her five children and their spouses: David and Linda Stout Morton of Edmond, OK, Roger and Terrill Thompson Morton also of Edmond, Michael and Debbi Akridge Morton of Goldsby, OK, Glenda Morton and Bill Stafford of Moore, OK, and John and Debbie Null Morton of Wichita, KS.
Also surviving are a brother, Loren Shaw (Carol Shearer), Indianola, IA, step-sister Rose Sink Thompson (Larry), Mission, TX, step-sister Bobbie Shaw, Louisburg, KS, and step-sister Carol Shaw O’Keefe, Overland Park, KS.
Thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and their spouses, total 58 descendants of Iris and Russell. Nine step-grandchildren and eleven step-great grandchildren also count her among those dear to them.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Columbus Avenue Church of Christ, 101 N. Columbus Ave., Newton, Kansas with Darrick Shepherd officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 to 9:00 Monday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00. Memorials may be left to “In Search of the Lord’s Way”, care of Petersen Funeral Home. There will be a private Interment at Restlawn Gardens of Memory in Newton.
One of my very favorite people that God put in my life. I feel fortunate to have called her Aunt Iris Dean. Condolences to the whole Morton family and friends and God bless you during this difficult time.
Russell and Iris welcomed our family into theirs on many many occasions. To this day our families are intertwined. I loved Russell as my second daddy and Iris was my second mom. They created a atmosphere that will forever influenced my heart. I am sad to not have one more earthly visit but I am guaranteed to see them both again. To my dear lifelong friends, Dave, Roger, Mike, Glenda and John, I treasure the memories. You all are very dear to my heart.
Iris touched my life in ways I can’t explain and treasure the example of love she had for her family. Blessings to all
So sorry for your family’s loss. I will miss seeing Iris at McDonald’s on Wednesdays. May your wonderful memories comfort you in the days ahead. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Querido Dave, Linda and Bobby
Deseo que La Paz De Dios llene sus corazones que El Dios de todo amor les de fortaleza. Mi más sentido pésame para toda su familia.
No tuve el honor de conocer personalmente a Iris pero al compartir con Ustedes puedo imaginarme Cómo un reflejo su lindo corazón.
Ahora Iris solo se adelanta a cumplir con el plan perfecto De Dios en su vidasy es mi deseo que un día sus seres amados puedan compartir la presencia De Dios adorándole y alabándole con gran gozo en el corazón.
Imagino que Iris fue una mujer que entregó su vida para agradar a Dios en todo momento así como dice filipenses 1:20 y que bendijo a todos los que tuvieron el honor y privilegio de conocerla. Y ahora seguro ella está satisfecha porque pudo compartir el amor De Dios con todos sus seres amados y demostrarles con sus hechos su gran amor.
Dios bendiga a cada integrante del familia Morton y que Dios siga fortaleciendo Sus vidas y corazones. Les amo en el Amor del Señor.
“Sin embargo, ¡Cristo resucitó! Esto nos enseña que también resucitarán los que murieron.”
1 Corintios 15:20 TLA
“Bien sabemos que en este mundo vivimos como en una tienda de campaña, que un día será destruida. Pero en el cielo tenemos una casa permanente, construida por Dios y no por seres humanos.”
2 Corintios 5:1 TLA
“Dios nos preparó para ese cambio y, como prueba de que así lo hará, nos dio el Espíritu Santo.”
2 Corintios 5:5 TLA
Respetuosamente y con mucho cariño les envió un abrazo fraternal mis amigos y hermanos en Cristo Jesus.
SHALOM
My condolences to the family. Your Mom/ Grandmother was a kind person.
We are so sorry for your loss, Morton family.
We are so sorry for your loss, Morton family.
Beverly and I will miss her, Iris and Russ both were the finest people we have every meet, such a wonderful family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
May the Creator of us all, give you the comfort and peace you need during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Thinking of you David and Linda. So sorry for your loss…
John and Debbie and families:. I’m so sorry for your loss. The first time I met Iris I knew she was a special lady. Heaven has received another blessing! I pray you find peace and comfort with all the memories she left behind.
My deepest sympathy for your family for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace and knowing that we will be reunited with them someday.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. God’s richest blessings in you time of need.
IRIS Will be missed so very much. Such a wonderful Christian.She will be in a Great place.My thought and prayers are with the family.Love you all.
I fondly remember Iris and her dog at Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festivals, but remember her and Russ years before through Bluegrass festivals and The Kansas Bluegrass Association. She always had a smile on her face. ?❤️
I have many memories of Iris and Russ and the years we were avid bluegrass music participants at local events. My thoughts and prayers are with their families.
Morton Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Iris and Russell purchased milk from my parents (Melvin and Erna O’Keefe) for years. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear about this, Roger. It is never easy. Hang in there, my friend.
“Smiling Iris” Never saw her without a smile. So Thankful for the years we were in Newton. Iris made it a better place! Heaven is getting sweeter…
May the Lord bless all who are in mourning and grant us all comfort and peace, especially Iris’ family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad to have been able to visit with aunt Iris recently and to be reminded once again of what a kind and wonderful woman she was.
Mike- you come from good stock! Your mom and dad exhibited the values that make great parents. Her obituary speaks of a life well-lived, Earthly life complete, eternal life begins. May memories bring you comfort.
So sorry for your loss, your mother was a wonderful lady. When I was able to take dad to McDonald’s on Wednesday evenings we would always get to see her. She will be missed but she is back in the arms of Russell. Love you all
I’m so sad to read that Aunt Iris passed away and I didn’t even know it. I have fond memories of going there with my Mom and Dad … Andy and Mary Collins. We were always welcomed with open arms and I loved going there. Peace be with you and Iris I know you’re in heaven.