Gilda L. Morris

Gilda L. Morris, 61, of Elba died Monday, March 10, 2014, at St. Francis Skilled Care in Grand Island. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Dannebrog. Pastor Barry Arndt will officiate. Burial will be in the Oakridge Cemetery in Dannebrog. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. friends and family remembrance service. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is in charge of the arrangements. Mrs. Morris was born on May 2, 1952, at Hot Springs, Arkansas, the daughter of Lester and Evelyn (Brumley) Peden. She was united in marriage to Robert L. Morris on Oct. 5, 1970, at Grand Island. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2002. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Travis and Carrie Morris of Independence, OR and Troy and Jessica Morris of Elba; two daughters and one son-in-law, Teresa Morris of Grand Island and Tina and Brandon Headrick of St. Paul; four brothers and three sisters-in-law, Gene Peden of Washington, Kenneth and Diane Peden, Austin and Judy Peden and Chester and Debra Peden, all of Salem, OR; and two sisters, Bonnie Kohler of Salem, OR and Jinette Yeager of Dallas, OR. She also leaves to cherish her memory, 11 grandchildren, Josh, Jordan, Jade and Jason Morris; Makayla, Makenna, Taylor, Kobe, Owen and Alivia Morris; and Braxton Headrick. As a young infant, Gilda moved with her family to Falls City, Oregon, where she grew up and received her education. She met Robert L. Morris, when he was on military leave in Oregon and later moved to Nebraska with him. While he served in Vietnam, she lived with his family. When he returned from the war, the couple were married. Gilda and Robert lived in Dannebrog until 1992, when they moved to Dallas, OR, where they lived for five years. In 1997, the family moved to Elba, where she lived the rest of her life. Gilda was a stay-at-home mom, that worked hard to raise her children while Robert was on the road, working in construction. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Dannebrog. Gilda enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Justin Travis Morris; three brothers, James, Wayne and Richard Peden; and two sisters, Opal and Sadie Peden. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family suggests memorials be given to the family's choice.