Betty F. Morris

The best Ma ever is now pain-free, shopping with the angels, and playing bingo in heaven. At 89 years young, she passed peacefully in her sleep on August 13, 2012. Although she suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis, she never let it define who she was. Instead, Ma was a tremendous inspiration to her children, grandchildren and anyone who knew her and her feisty, spirited character. Ma was born on April 21, 1923, in Olyphant, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of nine children born to Thomas and Laura Azer Griggs. After graduating in the Class of 1940 from Olyphant High School, she was employed at IBM, Endicott, New York, to help with the WWII supply effort. Ma married Lyle Morris on June 1, 1957, in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. In 1969, they purchased the B&L Caf in Towanda, where Ma touched many lives with her generous and giving heart. Ma was a woman of strong faith and a member of the Rome Presbyterian Church and a lifetime member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1624, Nichols, NY. Lyle, her husband of 55 years, survives her at their home in Rome, Pennsylvania. Her legacy lives on in her six surviving children, grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren: Linda and the late John Strope and children Terry, Janice, John, Jerry, Karen and Tammy; Jerry and Helen Ousterout; Diana and Charles Dewing and children, Jessica, Jordan, Clayton and Ashley; Mickey and Sondra Morris and children, Erin, Kyle, Mike and Alec; Jill and Edward O'Connor and children, Bradley and Laura; Bette and Darren Howell and children Taya and Paige. Also surviving are 24 great-grandchildren. Ma is predeceased by her parents and eight siblings: Almer, Alfred, Thomas, Willard, Mabel, Laura, Violet and Jennie. Abiding with the families wishes, a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchpael.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to a charity of one's choice in loving memory of Betty F. Morris. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley Family of the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols.