Rose Marie Morris, 80, of Galesburg, Illinois, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Rose was born October 29, 1945, in Galesburg, the daughter of Clifford LeRoy and Ruby Arlene (Jones) Downard.
Rose graduated from Galesburg High School and attended Carl Sandburg College. She went on to work at various places in the area, most notably Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Knox County Highway Department, and Adam’s Press Metals. Rose also worked for several years in the customer office at Sandburg Mall until its closure. She then went on to work at OSF St. Mary Medical Center Business Office and eventually retired from OSF St. Mary Clinic Business Office.
Rose is survived by one son, William LeRoy Morris of Knoxville; one daughter, Lisa Marie Corps of Galesburg; and one sister, Nancy Kaye Randall of Woodhull, Illinois. Rose is also survived by her beloved seven grandchildren, Amber Hunborg, Cory (Amanda) Hunborg, Levi Morris, Savannah Morris, Lindsay (Jason) Lankford, Christina Marie (Eli) King-Secor, and Mariyssa Waldorf-Cameron; and her adored 13 great-grandchildren. Rose was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Bill Randall of Woodhull.
Rose was a devoted, active, and faithful member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. She served on numerous committees at church, including president of the Evangelism Committee and the Lutheran Women’s Mission League. Rose also organized the church’s Octoberfest for many years. She started the Hats of Love at church, which created and sent hats to newborns and cancer patients.
Rose was also active in her community. She sang with the Community Chorus, served on the City of Galesburg Transportation Committee, and volunteered at the Galesburg Pride Picnic. In her younger years, Rose was part of the local Horseshoe Club. Rose was much loved by all who knew her, and her passing has left a hole in the lives of many.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 1372 W. Fremont St., Galesburg, Illinois. Pastor Steve Sommerer will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. No public visitation will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a fund to be determined. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
