Sarah Snyder Morris

Sarah Snyder Morris passed away May 15, 2020, surrounded by the love of her family. Sarah was born on August 27, 1963, in Peoria, IL. to Bruce (Skip) and Sarah (Sally) Snyder. Sarah fought breast cancer for 10 years before receiving her angel wings. No one fought harder and with a more positive attitude than Sarah. Sarah was many things to many people. She was a daughter, sister, friend, mentor, godmother, but most importantly she was a loving wife to her husband, Russ Morris.

Sarah graduated from Dartmouth College in 1985 and managed The Whale in Junction City in her hometown of Peoria, IL for her mother until 1993. Sarah realized her true calling was the law and she headed to Oregon and Willamette University where she received her law degree in 1996. Always the benevolent spirit wanting to help people, Sarah began her career in the DAs office in 1996, first as a prosecutor of drug crimes and then prosecuting sex crimes. It was in the courtroom where she first met a police officer named Russ Morris, who would become the love of her life. Their love story was one for the ages, not because it was perfect but because they were perfect for each other.

It was Sarah's need to see justice done on behalf of abused children that led her to begin prosecuting crimes against children. She dedicated her life to serving others and seeking justice for those most vulnerable. She moved to her position at the Department of Justice in 2010 with that as her focus. She had a remarkable way of speaking to the kids she helped in her courtroom, putting them at ease during the midst of awful familial situations. She helped hundreds of children find better lives and many kept in touch with her. She was also instrumental in reuniting many families after the parents received the care and treatment to straighten out their lives.

Sarah was a mentor to many. Her determined and selfless spirit combined beautifully with an incredible work ethic. There are many lawyers, DHS care workers, and police officers made better by watching her. It was Sarah's gift to give. Everyone has a few people in their lives that help shape the person they will become. Sarah was that person for many. She was there to hear problems and offer words of wisdom.

Sarah was actively involved in the community, wherever she lived. In Illinois, she was active in the Peoria Junior League, Riverfront Museum, and Race for the Cure. In Salem, Sarah was a Board Member for the Willamette Valley Humane Society, started the Drug Endangered Children’s Program, and served on many committees and programs related to the welfare of children state-wide.

Sarah did everything in life with a ferocity and tenacity and that included her fight with breast cancer. She was diagnosed in January of 2017 with metastatic breast cancer after 7 years in remission from her original breast cancer diagnosis. She fought it valiantly and lived with cancer until she had no fight left. Those that visited her in the last days before she made her journey onward, were there to witness a remarkable love story. Her MVP for the last 22 years was always Russ. Devotion. Courage. Grace. These are the words that best describe their love. It was an honor for those closest to them to bear witness to it. Sarah proved that love is a circle and timeless. It goes on in the hearts and minds of the many lives she touched. She is a reminder that the noblest of hearts can make a change. She made the world a better place by having lived and loved in it. There was no nobler or kinder a heart than that of Sarah Morris. She earned her angel wings and can now fly free.

Sarah is survived by her husband Russ Morris of Salem, Or., mother Sally Snyder of Peoria, IL., sister Sue Traver (Bill) of Glastonbury, CT., sister Deb Lawrence of Westerville, OH., sister Sandy Snyder of Noblesville, IN., and sister-in-law Diane Sturzinger of Salem, OR. Sarah leaves behind her love to her many nieces and nephews, two God daughters, and a multitude of friends.

A Celebration of Life is set for Saturday April 30, 2022, 10 am, at Salem Alliance Church, 555 Gaines St. NE, Salem.