Gerald Ross Morgan

Gerald (Gerry) Ross Morgan, 89, passed away peacefully in Billings, Montana on January 5th with three generations of his loving family by his side.

Gerry was born November 7, 1935, at the family’s farm in Bartlett, Kansas to Lloyd and Revilla Morgan, where he joined his older sister, Ramona. Gerry loved to tell jokes and used to say Bartlett was so small it was reduced to a three-digit zip code. He also loved playing marbles as a kid and often mentioned that he was the Chetopa, Kansas grade school marble champion 6 years running - but had to lend marbles back to the other kids so they could keep playing.

Gerry attributed learning kindness and love from his Granny Ross and Granny Morgan, who were very influential in his life. He moved with his father at age twelve to Heyburn, Idaho, where he learned to hunt, fish and most importantly move irrigation pipes. Gerry played multiple sports, which led to a football scholarship to Idaho State University. He proudly served as a Captain in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve and could recite precise artillery ordinance firing commands throughout his life.

While in Pocatello, Gerry met Joanne Mulick on a double date with her older brother, Bob. He was delighted to join Joanne’s large, boisterous family when they married in January 1956. Together, Joanne and Gerry raised five children while enjoying a long and successful 34-year career with Conoco as a credit and finance officer.

Gerry was a devoted father who prioritized family. He took the time to write encouraging notes on each of his children’s report cards in his orderly penmanship in lieu of a simple signature. He coached his sons’ Little League, basketball, and football teams, and knew just what to say to guide and teach his players. Throughout his long life, Gerry always made those around him feel special and he taught us all the importance of making someone laugh or finding a way to brighten their day.

Gerry had a special relationship with each of his thirteen grandchildren, and in the past few years he stayed connected with them via text and FaceTime. He started a family group text called the “Big Morg” and would send out cheerful, personalized announcements for every family member’s birthday. Gerry loved music and taught himself how to play banjo on an instrument his dad built; he passed on that love of music to his children and grandchildren.

Dad was a devoted companion and caregiver to our mom, Joanne, especially as her health declined. Their 66-year marriage was an example of unwavering mutual love and devotion. After Joanne’s passing, Gerry became a light to so many of the residents, staff, and caregivers at West Park Village.

Dad had a pragmatic philosophy about dying. He often quoted his father by saying, “Dying is not the problem – it’s living that’s the problem to solve.”  A few days before his own passing in the hospital, he said, “I hope I have my bags packed.”  He certainly did and will be very missed by all.

He is survived by his five children and spouses, Theresa (Peter) Habein, Kathy (Tom) Kryzer, Mary (Steve) Patton, Gerry (Suzanne) Morgan, Bill (Kris Decker) Morgan; his thirteen grandchildren (Claire, Michaela, Emily, Abby, Daniel, Alison, Laura, Connor, Betsy, Sam, Phoebe, Jane and Christopher); and eight great-grandchildren.

A Vigil Service will be held at 6 pm Thursday, January 16 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary with a Funeral Mass at 10 am Friday, January 17 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, where Gerry was a long-time member and valued Head Usher.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Red Lodge Music Festival (https://www.rlmf.org)