Deanne E. Morton

Deanne E. Morton passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 7, 2025, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She was born on May 22, 1935, in Chicago, the elder daughter of the late Bob and Betty Ekstrom. Deanne grew up in Elmhurst, IL, and was a gregarious and inquisitive child.

Deanne graduated from York High School in Elmhurst in 1953. Her teen years were marked by events that shaped the course of her life. At the age of 15, she met her dear friend Donna, and they remained close for 75 years! During her junior year, her father accepted a temporary (one year) job offer in Washington DC. Deanne did not want to leave Donna, but she quickly adapted to her new school and made many friends. The weekend after Thanksgiving, she met her future husband, Joseph, at a party. Less than three years later, on June 19, 1954, Deanne and Joseph (Joe) were married in LaGrange, IL, and shared a wonderful life together until his passing almost 60 years later.

The focal point of Deanne’s life was her family. She was the cherished mother of the late Robert Morton, Richard (Janine) Morton, Joseph (Kathleen) Morton Jr., and Jacqueline (Michael Miller) Morton. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren, Drew, Sabra, Daniel, and Noah, who will remember her as a guiding star in their lives. She was the loving sister of the late Marilyn Dahn Ekstrom. She was also close to her many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called her Aunt Dee. Deanne encouraged all of her kids and grandkids to pursue their dreams, and was always their biggest fan! She had a way of making everyone in the family feel special, as if each were her “favorite”.

In addition to raising a closely knit family, Deanne returned to college to study psychology. She worked for many years in admissions at a private psychiatric hospital, and then later in retail at CD Peacock. When her children were young, Deanne’s hobbies included cooking, gardening, and playing games with her family. She also volunteered as a deacon for Southminster Presbyterian Church, where she and Joe were members since 1967. In 1990, she and Joe moved to Nanjing, China, for the academic year. Once again, she soon adjusted to her new surroundings and enjoyed teaching English, forming new friendships, and traveling in China. She and Joe also loved to travel throughout the United States and Europe, often with family or good friends Mike and JoAnn. Throughout her life, Deanne relished going to the movies and theater. She was always happiest when she spent time with her family and close friends.

A Visitation is planned for Friday, June 27, 2025, from 4-7 PM, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 E. Central Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005. There will also be a Visitation from 9-10 AM on Saturday, June 28, followed by a Celebration of Deanne’s life at 10 AM, all at Southminster Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Deanne’s honor to the Deacons Fund at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 E. Central Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Link: https://onrealm.org/SouthminsterPre/-/form/give/now