Lenore “Sassy” Fay Morgan, age 88, of Grain Valley, Missouri died 19 September 2024 at the home of her daughter in nearby Blue Springs. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters and a close friend. Sassy was born 25 November 1935 in a log cabin in Helena, Montana to parents Hazel Leone Habel and Joseph William Spurzem. The log cabin, built by her father and grandfather, is on Helena’s list of historic places. Her parents divorced when she was one year old, and the young family moved to Wisconsin and then Minnesota where she resided with her maternal grandparents. During World War II, Sassy’s family moved to Watsonville, California where her step-father served in the U.S. Navy. After the war, the family returned to Helena where Sassy finished her schooling. In 1954 she graduated from Helena High School and began employment with Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company in Helena where she worked as a “number please” operator and then a clerk in the business office. She met the love of her life, Gene Charles Morgan, through his sister. They married 27 August 1961 in Helena and then made their residence in Spokane, Washington where Gene was employed by Helphrey Motor Freight Lines. Gene and Sassy raised their family in Spokane Valley where she was a homemaker and volunteer at Opportunity Elementary. She spent many years there as a nurse assistant and member of the PTA. As Gene neared retirement, they lived in Northglenn, Colorado and Vancouver, Washington where he was based for employment. When Gene retired in 1998 they returned to Colorado for a few years before moving back to Spokane in 2005. After Gene passed away in 2006, Sassy spent time residing near each of her daughters where she enjoyed spending time with them and her grandchildren. Her other favorite pastimes over the years included socializing with friends, bowling, doing needlework, building and solving puzzles, watching birds, and cheering on the Kansas City Royals. Sassy was preceded in death by her loving husband, her elder brother Clifford Victor Spurzem, and her parents. She is survived by her five children: Kenneth Ray Morgan of Angeles City, Philippines; Brenda Marie Gildehaus (Jerred) of Spokane, Washington; Sherri Anne Peister (James) of Blue Springs, Missouri; Sandra Jean Morgan of Liberty Township, Ohio; and Shauna Lynn Mariska (Darrin) of Belvidere, Nebraska. She is also survived by her beloved great-granddaughter, Brynlynn Bilbruck, and thirteen grandchildren: Stevie and Carsyn Gildehaus; Jacob, Nakia, Morgan, and MJ Peister; Logan, Devon, and Caden Hage; Bradley, Nathanael, and Jordan Mariska; and Jonathan Ramirez. Also surviving are Sassy’s younger brother, William Clarence Houston (Karen) of Helena, Montana, sisters-in-law Imogene Jeanette Spurzem and Gail Ellen Vawter, and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Greenwood Memorial Terrace in Spokane, Washington. The family expresses deepest thanks to Sassy’s close friends who greatly supported her in recent years: Ginny, Becky, Barbara and Bob, and Caroline. Sassy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be greatly missed.
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