On the afternoon of May 8, 2021, Sallie Marlene Morris passed away peacefully, being comforted by family and the trusted staff at the Big Sky Senior Living “Memory Unit” in Butte, Montana. At the time of her death Sallie was eighty-seven years old.
Sallie was born October 2, 1933 to Paul and Edith Sophia (Peterson) Lucker in Great Falls, MT, the second of two children. Sallie’s Stepfather, Pete Peterson, was a special part of her childhood and remained in her heart, along with her Mother, throughout her life.
Sallie married the love of her life, Joseph I. Morris, on September 3, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Great Falls, which began a journey of love of life, family and charity. When the two were married; Sallie told Joe that she would follow him anywhere in the world, but not to Butte or Anaconda!! They moved to Butte in 1957 and soon Sallie was a fully committed lover of the Butte people, community and area, it was home!
Sallie and Joe had three children; Mark, Lorne and Jay who enjoyed life as a close-knit family! They spent countless hours together snow-skiing, traveling, and all sorts of activities.
In 1976 Joe was Potentate of Bagdad Temple of the Shrine and Sallie was its First Lady, which she did with beauty, grace and inclusion. The Shrine and its hospitals were a journey that they shared during their entire marriage until Sallie fell into the grip of dementia.
In 1976 Sallie joined Chapter G of P.E.O. and found the sisterhood that would enrich the rest of her life! Sallie was President of Butte’s Chapter G in 1982 and then served on the State Board, culminating as the P.E.O. Montana State President in 1989. The State Convention that year was held in Great Falls with the theme of “Rainbows”, a long-time love of Sallie’s. Cottey College and all the charitable efforts of the P.E.O. were passions for Sallie, as was the love she felt for her P.E.O. Sisters.
Sallie and Joe traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, and always at each other’s side!
Sallie is survived by her husband Joe in Butte, her sons Mark (Marijean) of Houston, TX; Lorne (Donna) in Los Gatos, CA; and Jay (Peggy) of Huron, SD. She was the proud Grandma of five grandchildren: Erin (Andrew), Joe (Elizabeth), Tristan, Ivan and Spencer.
The pain of loss that her family and friends will experience is tempered by the example of love and caring Sallie carried with her all through her life. We will certainly meet again, until then dear Sallie, until then Farewell.
Memorials in memory of Sallie may be made to Bagdad Temple Transportation Fund or P.E.O. Cottey College.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1621 Thornton Ave. in Butte. A reception will follow at the Copper King Hotel in the banquet rooms at the North entrance.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Sallie.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Sallie and her family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Friday May 14, 2021
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following Service
Friday May 14, 2021
Copper King Hotel - banquet rooms at North entrance
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Ann Tribby, Chapter K Miles City says
A wonderful and gracious lady! I always enjoyed seeing her at State P.E.O Conventions. So sorry for your loss.
Terry Dunfee says
Joe and family,, so sorry to hear of Sallies passing. You are in my thoughts, having experienced the loss of my wife last year I know the pain you are feeling. Take care my friend
Kay Duffield says
To Joe and family,
Sallie was a delight and added so much to the lives of those she touched. I know her death was not unexpected but it is still hard to lose those we love. I agree you will be together again some day. Until then may your memories be of the good times when she was an active part of your family.
Lovingly, Kay and Mike
Shelly McLaughlin says
Dear Joe and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Sallie.
She was the sweetest lady. Always had a smile to share.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott, Shelly and Family
Darla Wilson says
My condolences to all of you. Aunt Sallie was the best of aunts and left many sweet memories in my heart! Hugs to you all!
Laurie & John Deniger says
Joeseph, Jay and Family…Sending Heartfelt love and sincere condolences!! Sallie’s beautiful obituary pays tribute to a life of love and devotion to her family! Sallie’s other passions in life are so worthy! Jay has often expressed the family dedication to the Shrine Community! As a. P.E.O., I realize the tremendous dedication Sallie had for the sisterhood…serving as Montana State President required hard work and a true love of P.E.O.!
You all are in our caring thoughts and prayers as you bid farewell to this lovely Lady!
Arlene Bentley Berry says
To Mark and all the family,
My heartfelt sympathy to you all in your loss! It was always a pleasure to see your parents on occasion in Butte. They were so gracious and your mother would update me on you and your family. She was a lovely woman and will be missed. May you find comfort in the memories of her and in the love, peace and grace of our God! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Elizabeth & Bob Noble says
We send our condolences on Sallie’s passing. We always enjoyed your visits to our office when both of you were always upbeat and happy. We were always taken by Sallie’s delight in our being mutual MINI owners.
Rob Wheeler says
My memories of “Mrs. Morris” are primarily from afternoons spent in Lorne’s basement, hanging out with friends. Lorne’s mom was always so welcoming to a bunch of noisy boys, and she seemed to be in a perpetual good mood. She was a terrific lady.