Mary C. Morton

Mary Claudean Morton age 90, a longtime resident of Hyder Senior Apartments in Jefferson City passed away, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Ashbury Heights in Jefferson City.

She was born on Thursday, November 7, 1918 in Jefferson City, a daughter to the late Christopher and Sadie (Roark) Sappenfield

Mary Claudean graduated from Jefferson City High School. On Sunday, February 27, 1944 she was united in marriage to David "Dick" Morton in Jefferson City. He preceded her in death on Thursday, July 14, 1994.

She lived many years in Des Moines, IA where she was employed by Better Homes and Gardens. She and her husband later co-managed the Southridge Condominium complex in St Louis for 15 years.

Mary Claudean served as the President of the Easter Seals Society, secretary for the Soroptimist International Organization; she was a member of the Order of The Eastern Star and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City.

One of Mary Claudean's greatest accomplishments was her commitment to her son David R. Morton, who was born with cerebral palsy. In spite of his handicap he obtained two masters degrees from Meramec College and Eden Theological Seminary in St Louis where he graduated with honors.

Mary Claudean is survived by her daughter; Sandy Tuerk of Jefferson City, two nieces;
Elaine Presley and Pat Stafford both of Jefferson City a grandson; Fred Tuerk, a granddaughter; Laura Cederstrom and a great grandchild; Ty Cederstrom all of the state of California. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her son David R. Morton and two sisters; Ruth Elliott and Betty Maine.

Visitation will be 2:00pm-3:00pm Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, 201 Monroe St. Jefferson City with a Memorial Service following at 3:00PM.