Phyllis Lorraine Morehead

Phyllis Espen Morehead was born in Forest Grove, Oregon on August 4, 1928 to Albert and Grace Espen. She moved with her parents to Leadpoint, WA at two years old, and later to Spokane, WA where she attended high school. She attended Carleton College in Northfield, MN where she met and married Edward Morehead on June 22, 1948. Throughout her nearly 72 years of marriage, Phyllis and her family lived in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and finally in Salem, OR.

Phyllis is survived by eight children: Jeff Morehead of Sacramento, CA; Deborah Walters (David) of Eugene, OR; Steve Morehead (Lynette), Patrice Schatz (Duane) and Mark Morehead (Elaine) all of Salem, OR; Mary Beth Smaldone (Philip) of Golden, CO; Kathy Heitzhausen and Anne Wolfington (Michael) both of Beaverton, OR; her two sisters, Faye Turner and Judy Burman, both of Tigard, OR; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward, her infant son, Scott Joseph and her granddaughter Hillary.

Phyllis maintained that her faith, family and friends were the most important parts of her life. She loved them all dearly. She was an avid reader (particularly historical fiction), bridge player, excellent cook who loved to entertain, and a volunteer over the years at her children's schools, for Meals on Wheels as well as with her church. She and Ed shared a passion for traveling, having traveled to all the continents except for Antarctica.

Phyllis passed into eternal life on November 26, 2023 at the age of 95. Her funeral Mass will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Salem, OR on December 7 at 11:00 am, preceded by the Rosary at 10:30 am.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. And may her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.