Edith Simpson Morse

Edith Simpson Morse, age 99, born September 29, 1912, died of natural causes on November 15, 2011 at her residence at Delmar Gardens of Lenexa, Kansas. Her husband, Paul Frank Morse, preceded her in death in 1996. They were happily married for over sixty years. Edith was born in Drywood Township in Bourbon County, Kansas, one of ten children born to William T. and Pearl (Parker) Simpson. She was raised on her family’s farm near Fort Scott, Kansas. Prior to her death she had survived all her nine siblings. She graduated from Fort Scott High School, and subsequently attended Fort Scott Junior College. She married her devoted husband Paul in Kansas, after which they moved to Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City area was her home the rest of her life. Edith was an enthusiastic and energetic woman, participating in volunteer activities while raising three children and taking care of the home. She was very interested in genealogy and family history, and was able to trace her family roots back as far as the signing of the Magna Carta in England, thus being accepted as a member of the Dames of the Magna Carta. Along with her husband Paul, Edith published a book of the Morse family history, which she donated a copy, along with various research materials, to the Kansas City Public Library. When moving out of the house where they had lived more than fifty years, Edith was able to donate some of the family heirlooms to various museums in the interest of historical preservation and to share what life was like for her family in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Some of these items had been lovingly transported across the United States as her family moved west. Her interest in and dedication to the area of genealogy led to her becoming a volunteer at the Heart of America Genealogical Society. She was recognized for her contributions to the Kansas City Public Library genealogical section for having reviewed, edited and placed the greatest number of family history books in their collection. Considered a local expert on genealogy research, her friends, neighbors, and family members benefited from Edith’s generous assistance in navigating the labyrinth of research options for searching out family history. Edith was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as a Regent of the Kansas City Chapter. She believed in being an active participant in her children’s education and understood the value of parents’ involvement by serving as President of the Center School’s Parent Teacher Association. Her children have fond memories of their mother’s active interest and participation in school events, local politics, and neighborhood activities. Edith was appointed by Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle to serve on several city commissions during his tenure. She was known for her caring attitude toward others, her strong leadership ability, thoughtfulness, and strong organizational skills. It was believed by her children she could have done well in political office, but for her devotion to family. Surviving her are her children, Paul Alfred Morse and wife Mary, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, William Frank Morse and wife Sharon, of Leawood, Kansas, and Winnie Sue Antonson, of Carmel, Indiana. Grandchildren include Robert Morse and wife Elisa, Christopher Morse and wife Elizabeth, Albert Amet and wife Donna, Wayne Amet and wife Sheila, Craig Amet and wife Amy, Cherie Amet Hoover and husband Chad, Lisa Morse, and step granddaughter Christina Belt. There are 15 great-grandchildren who will miss their “Grannie Morse” and numerous nieces and nephews who fondly remember their loving Aunt Edith. Visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. followed by funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Interment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery South. The family requests contributions be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9237 Ward Parkway, Suite 300, Kansas City, Missouri 64114. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Delmar Gardens of Lenexa for the care given to Edith. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.