Margaret Ann (Vogel) Morris was greeted by Jesus on March 12, 2017 at the age of 85. She was the second of six children born to Frank and Rose (Schulte) Vogel on March 24, 1931 in Pease, Minnesota. In 1939 her family moved to beautiful Whatcom County, Washington.
Margaret graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1948. She then went on to study elementary education and social work at Seattle Pacific University, Calvin College and Western Washington University. She married Orivel Morris in 1960 and became a loving mother to two daughters, Jill and Kay. Margaret taught at several Christian schools and then kindergarten and first grade in the Nooksack Valley School District. She had a passion for teaching and a fantastic memory when reminiscing with former students. She helped Cambodian refugees learn English and hosted several international students. Even in her retirement, she tutored children and adults. Margaret enjoyed Bible study (Sisters in the Lord) and book club. When with friends and family, she lit up a room with her energetic spirit. She was a real people person and never stopped making connections and building friendships. She was a mother and grandmother to many and a teacher to many more.
Margaret exuded Christ’s love to everyone she met and was such a model of what it meant to walk humbly and live faithfully. Although we miss her presence here on Earth, we rejoice in knowing that she is experiencing a homecoming and reunion with Christ that is indescribable. II Corinthians 5:8 reminds us that “we are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” There is no doubt that Heaven gained a beautiful, loving and faithful soul.
Margaret is survived by her loving children, Jill (Ben) Wiers of Willard, Ohio, and Kay Morris of Lynden; five grandchildren, Tyler (Erin) Wiers, Samantha Wiers, Sarah (Max) Sieplinga, Ryleigh Wiers and Julia Morris; and one great-grandson, Harry Sieplinga; as well as her siblings Dorothy (Marvin) Teusink, Ruth Vogel, Robert (Jean) Vogel and Albert Vogel, and sister-in-law JoAnn Vogel.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Frank Vogel Jr.
Margaret was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Ebenezer Christian School (9390 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden, WA 98264); Facilitators International Incorporated (2370 142nd Ave., Dorr, Michigan 49323-9590); or a charity of your choice. You may also share your condolences and memories online at www.gillesfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and CNAs at St. Joseph Hospital, Whatcom Hospice, Kim Einfeld and Mary Pitcher for their loving care and support.
You are invited for a time of visitation from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at Gillies Funeral Home. A graveside committal will be at 1:15 p.m. Monday, March 20, at Monumenta Cemetery, followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service at Second Christian Reformed Church, Lynden.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
