Caroline J. Morse

Caroline Jean Morse, age 90 and a long-time resident of Arvada, Colorado, was born on October 11, 1920, in Rockford, Michigan. She entered the Kingdom of God on August 15, 2011, from Northglenn, Colorado. She is survived by her children, Russell ""Rusty"" and Ruth Anne; three grandchildren, Samuel, Lyndsy, and Sawyer; and two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Asher. Carolyn is also survived by her brother Clinton and sister Una Mae, and 13 nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell A. Morse, Sr. and her parents, the Rev. Clinton John Frank and Mrs. Ruth (Nygren) Frank. Caroline, known to her family and friends as Carolyn, was born to Clinton and Ruth Frank. Her father was a minister and she grew up in the Midwest states of Nebraska and Iowa, moving to different communities due to her father's service as a Presbyterian pastor. Her early years were spent in the towns of St. Edward, NE, Minatare, NE, and Griswold, IA. She graduated from Griswold High School. Carolyn, wanting to follow in her mother's shoes, attended the School of Nursing at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, IA and graduated in 1942. Carolyn had a love for art and developed her skills as a painter. Because of this interest in art, she was introduced to Russell Morse, a native of Council Bluffs, due to a need for artist paint supplies. Russell courted Carolyn and they were married on October 4, 1942, in Summit, IA, by her father. Shortly after their marriage, Russell was called to service for World War II. Carolyn worked as a nurse during Russell's absence. She worked at the Christian Children Home and in a doctor's office. Russ and Carolyn were blessed with two children, Rusty and Ruth Anne, 12 years later. In 1958, they moved to Arvada, Colorado, where they stayed and raised their children and grandchildren. After moving to Colorado, Carolyn continued nursing. She first served at St. Anthony's Hospital-Central, and then at Lutheran Hospital. Carolyn retired from Lutheran Hospital after 36 years of service. During her time at Lutheran Hospital, she worked in the newborn nursery and gave a lot of first baths to newborns. An ever-faithful servant to her Lord, Carolyn was very involved in the church. She loved reading, studying, and sharing God's word with anyone she met, especially children. She served as a Sunday school teacher and a Sunday school superintendent. Carolyn and Russ attended Arvada Presbyterian Church for many years. Then in 1970, Russ, Carolyn, and daughter Ruth Anne became charter members of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon. She also participated in many Bible studies and was a prayer warrior on the prayer chain for many years, up until her death. Carolyn was a devoted Christian and a great example of living in the faith to her family and friends. Carolyn loved to paint, even though being a working mom did not permit her the time she would have loved to devote to being creative. Her favorite subjects where the mountains and Jesus Christ. She also enjoyed sculpting and sketching and even created two porcelain dolls of her kids, the Rusty and Ruthie dolls. Carolyn was widowed for 21 years and devoted to her marriage all of her life. After Russell's passing, she turned her attention to helping care for and raise her three grandchildren. Ever the devoted mother and grandmother, she was gifted with great interpersonal strength, wisdom, and courage. She lived her faith, reading the Bible daily, and always wanting to help and serve, even to the point that she found it hard to receive in return. She was loved by many and will be missed, but her faith leads us to believe that we will meet again in the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessings to all of you. You were in her prayers and certainly in God's ever-capable hands and everlasting love. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 from Five O'Clock to Eight O'Clock in the Evening at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80003. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Ten Thirty in the Morning at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 7755 Vance Drive, Arvada, Colorado 80003. A reception will be held following the memorial service at the church. Memorial contributions are being suggested to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 7755 Vance Drive, Arvada, Colorado 80003. Please share your memories of Caroline and condolences with her family by clicking on the ""Sign Guestbook"" link below.