Iris D. Morton

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 89^th 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 6^th, 1948 at the home of Russell’s parents in Ottawa, Kansas. They were happily married for fifty six years until Russell’s death May 26^th, 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.