Mary Eleanor Morris

MORRIS, MARY ELEANOR (COMBS), 81, Beavercreek, died at home on Monday September 10, 2007. Born January 14, 1926 in Oneida (Clay County), Kentucky, Mary Eleanor, the daughter of Holt and Lillie (Byrd) Combs, came to Dayton in January 1942 where she joined other Appalachians in defense work after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On July 26, 1947, she married Vaughn Morris and they made their home in Miamisburg. Mary Eleanor became business partners with Juanita Hutchison in the early 1960's and they opened Joette's Beauty Salon in Miamisburg. After retiring from beauty work in 1976, she and Vaughn built their dream home on fifty acres outside of Dillsboro, Indiana and moved there in 1977. Vaughn died of cancer in 1978; however, Mary Eleanor remained in Indiana until diagnosed with cardiac disease in 1991. At that time, she moved to Beavercreek in order to live close to her daughter and only child, Joette. Mary Eleanor, a superb cook, a wicked card player, and a strong advocate for education, loved to knit and quilt. She derived special enjoyment from patting her foot to some down home bluegrass music, especially Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys. She was a member of the order of the Eastern Star for over fifty years and currently held membership in Beaver Valley Chapter #570. Before her health declined, Mary Eleanor enjoyed attending services at Beaver United Church of Christ. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Joette M. and Ralph E. Gates (Beavercreek); sister, Barbara Ann (Combs) Gibson (Fitzgerald, GA ) ; sister-in-law, Joyce Louise (Morris) Rice (Beattyville, KY); brother-in-law, Denzie Lee Wright, Sr. (Ft. Meyers, FL); more than thirty-five nieces and nephews and their families, whom she adored; special friends, Linda and Gregg Cross (Xenia); her wonderful neighbors; and many friends. Her canine companion, Sophia, and her grand dog, Nelson, will miss her. It was Mary Eleanor's wish that donations be made to Hospice of Dayton, who so gently and kindly cared for her in the last months of her life. Visitation will be held on Sunday September 16, 2007 from 1-4pm at Newcomer Funeral Home Beavercreek Chapel. A service will follow at 4:00pm with Joette Morris Gates officiating. Immediately following services, family and friends are invited to a celebration of life. Interment will take place at Oakdale Cemetery in Dillsboro, Indiana on Monday September 17, 2007 at 11:00am.