Irene Warburton Morris was born on October 9, 1914 to Thomas DeWitt Warburton and Clara Ethel Frost.

Irene was the oldest of six children. Thus, after just a few short years, she was helping her mother care for the other five children. It was from this background that she learned to serve and care for others, always looking after their needs first. Her own needs always came later.

I (Ernie) remember her telling of pacing the floor with me, waiting for me to go to sleep. Remembering these experiences, she would leave no doubt of her abiding love for those she served.

I remember as a small lad, her rescuing me from older brothers and cousins, who were teasing me, to the extent that I was in the midst of a temper tantrum. She lovingly led me up to the bedroom, in the old rock house, laid me on the bed and explained to me, that my conduct was not such that our Father in Heaven would be pleased with me. A spirit of quietness came over me, as she wiped away my tears and soon all was well.
A few years later, while she was teaching school in Tremonton, she discovered I had another bad habit that needed attention. She discussed it with me and said; “If you will correct this habit, this fall, I will let you come to Tremonton. We will attend the fair and I will take you to school with me.”  Oh! That sounded wonderful to me. I worked diligently, that summer to overcome the habit and was successful in doing so. She kept her promise. Can you imagine the fun that I had at the fair and attending school with her?  I met and played with kids that have remained my friends, throughout my life. Incidentally, the bad habit never returned. No wonder she was such a good teacher.

Our brother, Ira, was just over a year younger than Irene. They were the best of pals. I may have this backwards, but I remember Ira laughing about pushing Irene out of the tree, out by the old tin granary. Feelings may have been bruised at the time, but you could tell they had great times together and loved and respected each other considerably.

Similar stories were told by Irene, of the many ruses Belle used to get out of washing dishes, ironing and tending her younger brothers.

Mother and Dad leased a home in Brigham City, when it was time for Irene to move away for the last two years of high school. Many stories have been told of the good times they had while there. I believe one of our cousins lived with us, at that time, while attending school there.

Irene graduated from Box Elder High School, then went on to Weber State College and Utah State University. She was an excellent teacher and enjoyed that profession. Her first teaching assignment was atLucin, Utah. Lucin, had to be one of the last outposts in Utah, but I am sure Mom and Dad were glad to have her close to home. Today there is no evidence of that little railroad community ever existed.

A year or two later she received a contract to teach in Tremonton. At that time she met her husband to be, Clyde H. Morris. They were married on June 1, 1939.

Some years later she also taught school in Brigham City, Utah.

In 1986, she was honored by Alpha Delta Kappa as “Outstanding Educator of the year.”

She and Clyde made their home in Tremonton and she lived there her entire life.

Irene was actively involved in Church and Civic affairs throughout her adult life. She was a member of the Tremonton 1st Ward. She served as YWMIA President, Relief Society President, President of the Stake Primary and also taught on many levels, continuing evidence of her joy in associating with and serving others.

She was a charter member of the Tremonton Women’s Civic League and acted as president in its second year. In 1984 this organization chose to honor her as Tremonton’s Mother of the Year. She was also named “Club Woman of the Year” in 1989.

She was a very talented and creative person. Her handiworks included sewing, needlepoint, crewel, quilts, oil painting and porcelain dolls. She enjoyed many varied interests, reading, traveling and sharing her energies with family members and friends.

On one occasion she traveled with her son-in-law, Kirk Boyer and daughter, Shelley to Japan, where Kirk was on assignment, making presentations and sharing technical information with his peers there. She spoke of this trip on numerous occasions. It was one of the “highlights” of her life.

I remember she and her sister Belle visiting with us, in California, on another occasion, as a part of another extended trip. They were having a wonderful time.

Her family was her life. Above her bed was hand drawn pictures of her five children. It depicted them in their younger years. It was a happy, beautiful sight and I am sure it inspired her, every morning and night.

Many petitions were, no doubt made, in behalf of each of those family members, in that bedroom, under that picture, by Irene…Those five are listed below:

Kathleen Evans     Fountain Hills, Arizona

Dianne Morris       Preston, Maryland

Scott Morris           Brigham City, Utah

Shelley Boyer        Beaverton, Oregon

Jenette Jewkes     Kaysville, Utah

Ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild were the joy of Irene’s life.

Irene passed away on October 17, 1994.

Submitted by R.E. Warburton

October 22, 1996