Anita Ella Gamble Morris

Anita was born October 26, 1920 in Wessington, South Dakota, the fourth of seven daughters born to Ralph and Eldora Gamble. She passed away at home with her family, Edith Nisick, Dan Nisick and Eva Jensen in Richland, Washington at the age of 97.

Anita’s early years were spent on a farm. She graduated from St. Lawrence High School where she played a trombone in the band and participated in the Debate Team and Glee Club. She was Queen of her sophomore class.

After graduating from Wessington Springs Teachers College, she was a much loved teacher of elementary children in the rural area. Later, she and three sisters all taught at separate schools in the same county of South Dakota. 

Anita came to Richland in the mid 1950’s and lived with her sister & brother-in-law, Edith and Norm Nisick, until she was hired by GE. There she made new friendships. She joined a Singles Group and met Harold at a dance.

She very much enjoyed all her nieces and nephews, and Michael & Dan Nisick enjoyed having a special Auntie living nearby. Anita was a wonderful sister, sister-in-law and Auntie. We were blessed when she moved to Richland and we had many fun times together as a family, which eventually included her husband Harold to whom she was a loving and devoted wife. 

Anita married Harold Morris in 1972 and they had 42 happy years together. Anita was a member of Central United Protestant Church, teaching Sunday School class in the early years.

Anita liked doing craft things and decorating the house. She embroidered some lovely pictures. After Harold’s father died, she took care of Harold’s mother Juliet until Juliet’s death nine years later.

When Anita was diagnosed with cancer the first time, the local Cancer Support Group became an important part of Harold and Anita’s family and remained so during her second bout with cancer a few years later. Gloria Gibbons and Carmen Still and Anita continued to be close friends. The small Group that Anita and Harold were a part of in Central Church was also very special and supportive. 

After the sudden death of her husband Harold, Anita and her sister Edith made a home together. They enjoyed one another’s company, along with Dan and Eva who gave great continuous support and care.

Anita will be remembered for her quick wit, her skill at card games and her gentle and optimistic nature.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold, four sisters and their husbands: Erma & Shirley Miller, Lorraine & Orville Todd, Mildred & Colin Steele, Dory & Ronald Blackburn; brothers-in-law Norman Nisick and Paul McNaughton; sister-in-law Gloria Blackburn; nieces Della Rae Mickelson and Diana Kohl; nephew Michael Nisick (Sally Hoagland). 

Anita is survived by her sisters Edith Nisick and Darlene McNaughton (CT); nephews Dan (Eva Jensen) Nisick, Royce (Linda) Blackburn, Byron (Carol) Fulk, Sam (Crystal) Mickelson; Nieces Reta Fae (Ken) Kelly, Ronetta Blackburn (Chris) Theodor.

She is also survived by Harold’s family: Niece Kelly (Mark) Hower; nephews Perry (Margaret Duffy) Riggle, and Joel (Rhonda) Riggle; brother Bob Morris; brother-in-law Pete Riggle; sisters-in-law Darlene Morris and Marilyn Phillips.

The family is grateful to Chaplaincy Hospice Care who provided comfort for Anita’s last days. Memorials may be sent to them or a charity of your choice. There will be a private Graveside Inurnment.