Rose "Rosie" Morris

Rose E. “Rosie” Wessel Morris passed away September 7, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas. Rosie was born on December 31, 1932, in Centralia, Kansas to Barney & Rose Osterhaus Wessel. She was the 10th child of 13 and grew up on a farm where her childhood was filled with love, laughter, games and the closeness of a large, hardworking family. Rosie completed two years of high school before taking a job with her mother at a new dress factory in Holton, Kansas. Since they lived five miles north of Holton, she and her mother would get a ride to work with a neighbor’s son. That young man was Warren Morris, who would later become her husband on November 20, 1954. Rosie and Warren eventually moved to Topeka where they continued to build a life together and raise their four children, Carol, Michael, Steve and Mark. Rosie was an excellent cook and baker who believed everyone should be well fed. In her kitchen, you were expected to take a "no thank you bite", because you might discover that you actually liked it. You never left empty handed and she always found a way to send something home with you. Her apple pie, cheesecake squares and homemade ice cream became family traditions, and her recipes continue to be passed down from one generation to the next. She also enjoyed crocheting, weekly bingo with her sister-in-law, Ann, sewing, trips to the casino with her family, dinners at Texas Roadhouse, collecting Hallmark ornaments with her best friend Alice Doyle, games around the table and visits at home with her family and friends. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Rosie spent 40 years working for USD 501 at McEachron Elementary School serving lunches to children before retiring at the age of 80. Sharing the sewing skills she had developed over a lifetime, she also enjoyed doing alterations from her home Her love for her family was matched by her faith. She attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and when she was no longer able to attend in person, she faithfully watched Mass every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on the television. Rosie is survived by her children, Carol Fickler (Jack), Steve Morris (Pam) and Mark Morris (Julie); 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; her brother, Paul Wessel; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rosie was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Morris; son, Michael Morris; her grandson, Zachary Morris; her parents; five sisters, Lorena Koch, Leona Wessel, Dorothy Wessel, Alvina Brucken and Clara Reiter; six brothers, Raymond, Adrian, Galen, Bernie, Leonard, Regis and Elmer Wessel. Family will greet friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, September 17, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice House or to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Rose "Rosie" Morris

December 31, 1932 - September 7, 2026