Estella Magdalene (Hill) Morris

Estella M. Morris, age 97, of Ithaca, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2015, at her home, with her family at her side.

Estella was born March 4, 1918, the daughter of Dean R. and Pearl (Stahl) Hill.  Her childhood was full of love and her family meant everything to her.  She grew up in a close knit farming community.

Estella enjoyed Ithaca Senior Activity Building with its fellowship and activity, and friendship and love of Jo Jones and all who attended there.  She also enjoyed going for rides through farmland to view how the crops were doing.  Once a farm girl, always a farm girl!  Her favorite route was to Crystal, where she would round the lake and then return home the same way, so she could check out the fields.  And don’t let that grass get over 2” tall because she loved to mow her yard.  And make those lines perfectly straight.

Estella also enjoyed a good game of pinochle.  At almost any time she could find others to play.  She was a die-hard pinochle lover.

She had a love for music, and a natural ability to play by ear.  She would sit down at her organ and play for her own enjoyment whenever she felt like it.

Stella never knew a stranger, greeting and speaking to all.  Everyone was worthy of a “Hello.” And those she was close to, a big hug and a kiss.

Estella is survived by her children, Patricia Ann (Morris) Hirn, Emerson Lee Morris, Dean E. Morris, Marilyn G. (Morris) Nemeth, Myrna J. (Morris) Esh, Thomas T. Morris, Terry L. Morris, and Lowell E. Morris; her brother, Richard Hill of Arizona; and numerous beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell E. Morris, and her daughter, Barbara K. Bushy.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Jo Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the Barden Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity Building.