Mary ‘Linda’ Morris, 61, died tragically on Thursday, Jan. 9 in an auto accident on Highway 108 at Stearns Road in Oakdale.

She was born in Fresno to John and Peggy Vetter of Dinuba and was the first of nine children. She attended Saint LaSalle School in Reedley and then public school in Dinuba. She spent two years at Reedley Junior College and then transferred to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where she earned a degree in Home Economics with a Dietetics option.

She met her future husband, Brian Morris, during her first month at Cal Poly in 1972. They were married in 1975 and have since lived in Stockton, Port Angeles, Wash., Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, and finally, Oakdale, where they settled in 1986 with their two sons, Randy and Drew.

Mrs. Morris worked for the Oakdale Joint Unified School District for 23 years as a teacher’s aide and loved her work with the students.

She was also active with the Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers and found every opportunity she could to go backpacking. She also donated her time to the community by doing volunteer tax preparation. She loved to garden, sew, cook, hike, and travel.

She recently retired and had many great plans for backpacking and traveling, including a cruise to Europe this summer. She will be sorely missed by many.

She is survived by her husband, Brian; sons, Randy and Drew; mother, Peggy; eight brothers and sisters; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 17 at the First Baptist Church in her hometown of Dinuba.

Remembrances may be made in her name to the Pacific Crest Trail Association.