The Rev. Ruth S. Morris, 86

LAUREL - The Rev. Ruth S. Morris of Laurel went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, April 23, 2007, in her home. She was 86.

Ruth was born in Marcus Hook, Pa., daughter of the late Lemuel Webster and Alice (West) Savage.

She was ordained into the ministry Aug. 9, 1949, and provided a lifetime of faithful service with the Wesleyan Church for more than 40 years. She was chosen Woman of the Year for Wesleyan Women International, 1994-95, and also served as district secretary of Delmarva for 21 years.

Ruth was a charter member of and provided pastoral care at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, where she was installed Nov. 17, 1975.

In addition, she taught music lessons for more than 40 years.

Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruth Ann Pritchett; and a brother, William Savage.

She is survived by her husband, whom she married on Dec. 21, 1939, the Rev. Joseph Reed Morris; her brother-in-law, Thomas Redman Morris of Greensboro, Md.; her sisters, Kathryn E. Johnson of Cambridge, Md., and Mabel L. Huffman of Greenwood; a sister-in-law Sarah Savage, of Georgetown; two grandchildren, Timothy Morris Pritchett of Millsboro, and Kathy Lucille Pritchett of Sante Fe, N.M.; four great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, James O'Neal Pritchett of Milton.

Funeral services will be in Laurel Wesleyan Church, 30816 Seaford Road, Thursday at 2 p.m., where friends may call one hour prior to the services. There will also be a viewing Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West St., Laurel. The Rev. Jim Hitch, the Rev. Ken Huffman and Pastor Ken Deusa will officiate.

Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Contributions can be made in her name to the Delmar Wesleyan Church, 800 E. East St., Delmar, MD 21875.