Kathleen J. "Kay" Morse, 93, of Warrensburg, WHS Teacher & Friend

Kathleen J. "Kay" Morse, 93, of Warrensburg, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at Harmony Gardens Assisted Living.  She was born April 28, 1918, in Leeton, the daughter of Arthur M. and Bertha Lucinda (Van Hoozer) Johnston.  On May 23, 1942, she was united in marriage to William L. Morse. He preceded her in death on Oct. 7, 1991.Mrs. Morse was a graduate of Warrensburg High School. She then attended and received her bachelor's degree from Central Missouri State Teachers College. She later did her graduate study at Denver University. Mrs. Morse taught business subjects at Norborne High School and later at Warrensburg High School until her retirement in 1982. She was the first president of the Secunda Study Club; a former member of the A.B.C. Club; a member of P.E.O. Chapter HW; a life member of Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary; The Red Hat Society; and several bridge clubs. For a number of years, Bill and Kay enjoyed a summer home in Laurie. Mrs. Morse served as organist at several churches, including the Christ Episcopal Church, where she started at age 13, and played until she was 90, and was a longtime member. "Kay" celebrated her 80th birthday in Bonn, Germany.  Kathleen J. "Kay" Morse is survived by special friends, Gary and Cheryl Waisner of Warsaw, and their daughters, Karen Waisner Martin of Warrensburg and Kathryn Waisner Nielsen of Fulton; and one cousin, Roberta Marshall of San Gabriel, Calif., whom she traveled with here and abroad.   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister, Helen Louise Price.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Sweeney-Phillips and Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, with Dr. Deems Brooks officiating. Pallbearers will be Bill Martin, John Nielsen, Morris Collins, Tom King, Gilbert Powers and Robert Simmons. Burial will be at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christ Episcopal Church or Children's Mercy Hospital and both can be left at the funeral home.