Jo Tyrrell Morse

Jo Tyrrell Morse was born in her home on December 25, 1922, in Selah, Washington. Jo laid her head down for the last time on October 19, 2015, 67 days before her 93rd birthday. She grew up in the wonderful Yakima Valley. She attended St. Paul’s Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1941. She entered college at the University of Washington, eventually receiving her teaching and masters degree from Central Washington University. Jo taught in the Wapato School District for many years, primarily as an art instructor. She also was an art consultant to the Yakama Nation for many years teaching Native American art. She loved her time with her students and the great diversity the Wapato community offered.

Jo married the love of her life, her Naval Aviator, Norman (Zero) Morse in Yakima Washington at St. Paul Cathedral in 1943. They produced three successful children: Susan Morse; Jerry Morse; and Scott Morse Sr.

Jo loved to travel and visited Mexico and Southern California on many occasions. Following retirement, she and Zero would “winter” in Santa Barbara, California at their beautiful condominium on the Pacific Ocean.

Jo was a devout Catholic and was a member of Holy Family Parrish. She loved to paint, garden, sit in the sun, golf and spend time with her grandchildren who were the light of her life. Notes of love from her grandchildren dotted her walls to her last day.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald Winfred Tyrrell and Eunice Perry Tyrrell, and her husband, Norman (Zero) Morse.

Jo is survived by her three children and seven grandchildren: Susan (Ken) Murray; Jerry (Jean) Morse, their daughter Lisa; and Scott (Linda) Morse and their children: Jennifer, Jill, Lindsey, Ashley, Scott Jr. and Matt. She cherished the time she spent with her good friend and golf partner Mel Tanasse.

In her last years of life, Jo remained in her wonderful family home above Franklin Park, enjoying her beautiful view, which she enjoyed until the very end. She was cared for by her “roomie” and granddaughter Jill Morse and near the end by her loving daughter-in-law Linda Morse. Many other relatives and friends aided in this effort, including Memorial Hospice, for which Jo and the family will be eternally grateful. Grandma Morse will be greatly missed by all!

Jo and the family request that donations be made in her honor to La Salle High School and St. Paul School.

A Vigil Service will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

To celebrate the life of Jo and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.