Mildred Morse

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mildred L. Morse, 96, passed away on August 5, 2018 after living a full and blessed life.

She was born September 2, 1921 in Seneca, Missouri to Charles and Anna Yust on a farm she shared with many brothers and sisters. As a child, her days were filled with chores plus cooking and baking bread; skills that she was to share with her husband, children and grandchildren the rest of her days.

Mildred attended Huber Center School in Seneca and graduated from St. Peter’s High School in 1939. After high school, she took radio training at the NYA war workshop. She was one of two women to be the first to complete radio training in Joplin. Mildred was then assigned a job by the federal communications commission to be a transmitter operator at KSAL in Salina, Kansas. She then worked at KMBC in Kansas City and WMBH in Joplin. She held a radio telephone permit, broadcast endorsement and Class B license. She also completed her aeronautical code endorsement which allowed her to operate at aircraft ground stations.

On November 29, 1952 Mildred married Elliott Marlar Morse from Luray, Kansas. They had five children, including two sets of twins.

Mildred was an avid volunteer at both St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and her children’s schools. Her many activities included being the President of the Altar Society and St. Peter’s School Health Chairman. She also enjoyed golf, quilting and many crafts.

She is survived by children, Roanna Rose (Bill Isenberger), Robert Morse (Peggy), Patrick Morse (Lisa) Tricia Courtney (Richard) and Mary Larson (Greg); grandchildren, Regan Rose, Rachelle Rose Barkhurst, Andrea Morse Hayter, Scott Morse, Heather, Nathan and Nolan Morse, Adrienne and Bethany Courtney, Grant, Wyatt, Kent and Kurt Larson; great-grandson, Kellen Wiens; and siblings, Ruth Richardson and Alfred Yust.

Mildred is preceded in death by her husband, Elliott; and ten siblings, Melvin “Bud” Yust, Wilfred Yust, Edward Yust, Arnold Yust, Earl Yust, Dorothy Campbell, Ralph Yust, Paul Yust, Marcella Benson and Anthony Yust.

Mildred was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her generosity, faith, strength and spunky spirit will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin with Father J. Friedel officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Seneca. Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Friday at the church with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to JACS. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.