Mary A. Morris, 105, of Oakdale died Monday, April 7 after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Cedar Smith, Kan. to William and Eldora Vale Heins. She was the seventh of eight children, three boys and five girls. Her family moved to Kit Carson, Colo. in 1915, where they farmed. Then her family moved in California in 1936 and settled in Oakdale.

She worked at the Oakdale Poultry plant prior to being employed by Hershey’s until she retired in 1974. She was the oldest surviving retiree of Hershey’s prior to her death.

Mrs. Morris loved spending time with her family and friends. She particularly enjoyed having her children and grandchildren around her during the holidays, especially Christmas Eve when she made her specialties of popcorn balls, yeast rolls, and divinity, along with a delicious dinner. Her grandchildren enjoyed gathering eggs, exploring the farm, playing in the barn, and watching her milk the cows during their visits.

She was an avid fisherwoman and gardener, who at 84, still rototilled her garden. She also loved to play the slots, particularly in Las Vegas, where she visited with family.

She enjoyed her Bethel Assembly Church family and had a deep faith in God.

She is survived by her sons, Orlo (Madelyn) Davis, Keith Morris, Ken (Linda) Morris, Gary (Karryn) Morris; daughter, Olive Kupiec; daughter-in-laws, Carol Davis, Marge Morris; 17 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Morris; sons, Harley Davis, Melvin Morris, Lindy Morris; grandson, Brian Morris; her parents; brothers, George, John, and Frank Heins; and sisters, Alvena Plecker, Martha Swank, Ethel Plecker, and Alma Morris.

Services were held April 15 at Bethel Assembly Church, Oakdale. Burial followed at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to your favorite charity.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

April 16, 2014