Mary Helen Morris, of Chico, California passed away Friday, February 26, 2010. She was born in Gridley, California, on August 8, 1934. She graduated from Gridley High School in 1952 and Yuba College in 1954 and then moved to Sacramento, where she worked as a loan officer with Beneficial Finance and was shortly transferred to their Chico Office. In Chico, she also worked for Lassen Savings and Chico State University where she was the first female to hold the position of Property Purchasing Manager, retiring in 1988.
She was active in the community-a member of the Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church, California State Employees Association and Retired Public Employees Association. She served on the credit committee for the University and Butte School Employees Credit Union. She was Worthy Advisor of Gridley Assembly #23 International Rainbow for Girls and a member of the Josephine Chico Chapter No. 104 Order of The Eastern Star of Chico, also the VCCA car club.
She was the Butte County Peach Festival Queen of 1952. She loved to sing and belonged to different choirs throughout the years. She was a volunteer at Enloe Medical Center.
She loved sports, especially biking, softball, skiing and skating. Also, she enjoyed getting away to their cabin in Jonesville with family and friends.
Her husband Keith Morris, family and grandchildren were the love of her life. She was their strength and support.
Survivors include her loving husband Keith Morris, two daughters: Denise Fawns, husband Dennis, Diane Williams, husband Alan Sr., of Chico, three grandchildren: Heidi Butler, husband Tom, of Oroville, Alan Williams, Jr. and Kimberly Fawns of Chico. Two great-grandchildren: Brett and Luke Butler, of Oroville. Two brothers: Marvin J. Cassady, Jr., wife Sybil and Richard “Dick” Cassady, wife Jane; sister RuthAnn King, husband Lowell, all of Gridley, Aunt Christine Watkins, of Chico and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Marvin J. Cassady Sr., mother Dorothy Cassady and a sister Dorothy May Cassady Bequette.
A visitation was held Wednesday, March 3, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Brusie Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society.
A memorial service was held Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 2 p.m., at the Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church, First and Broadway, Chico, California. Reverend Greg Cootsona will officiate. Interment will be held at the Chico Cemetery. A celebration will follow at the First Christian Church Koinonia Hall at 295 E. Washington Avenue, Chico, a block from the cemetery.
This is a paid obituary.
