Marian M. Morris

Mrs. Marian M. Morris died May 26, 2008 at the age of 90 at Harbor Hospice. She was born December 20, 1917 in Montague, Michigan to Edward and Katherine Boardwell in the house her father built on Stebbins Street. Marian was the youngest of three children, having had two older brothers, Norval and James. She was a graduate of Montague High School Class of 1935 and upon graduation began work at Whitehall Leather (the tannery). In a case of Montague girl meets Whitehall boy, she married Robert C. Morris of Whitehall in Ludington, Michigan on June 1, 1940. Marian worked a few more years and then became a full-time mother and homemaker after her four children were born. Widowed at age 39, Marian struggled to provide for her children and herself. She later went to work for Howmet Corporation, retiring at age 65. Mrs. Morris has, and had, many relatives in the Montague area and enjoyed telling the story of how her paternal great grandmother Boardwell smoked a clay pipe and traded homemade bread with the Native Americans out the back door of her Montague home; how her grandfather Boardwell lost his leg in the Civil War; or how her maternal grandfather Hall was a trapper and Town Marshall of Montague. During her retirement years, she enjoyed crocheting, playing the piano and shopping. She took great pleasure in knowing all the latest fabrics and fashions. She will be remembered for her strong sense of right and wrong, fierce independence and fiery spirit that was often softened by her sly sense of humor and broad smile. She will be greatly missed. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Katherine Boardwell; two brothers: Norval Boardwell and James Boardwell and their wives; her husband, Robert, in 1957; her son, Keith, in 1996; and her son, Landon, in 2002. Survivors include her son, Robert (Rita) Morris, of Montague; her daughter, Patricia (William) Helveston of Fruitport; her granddaughter, Ronda (Michael) Skinner, of Whitehall; her grandson, Robert (Evelyn) Morris III of Texas; one great grandson; as well as many nephews, a niece and cousins. Cremation has taken place. The family will observe her passing privately. A family graveside service will take place at Oakhurst Cemetery in Whitehall. Memorials to Meals on Wheels or Muskegon Rescue Mission.