Obituary of Karen S. Morse

Karen S. Morse, 67, of Benton Harbor, passed away, suddenly, of natural causes, at her residence on Friday July 25th, 2014. On July 2, 1947 Karen was born to the late Albert and Gertrude (Le Van) Qualls in Murphysboro, Illinois. Karen graduated from high school and shortly thereafter married Bobby C. Morse, Sr. at a ceremony in Ava, Illinois on August 31, 1968. She was raised on a dairy farm in southern Illinois. Karen learned from a young age the value of hard work. She carried that work ethic her entire life. Karen spent time as a waitress, was a gifted cook, worked as a secretary as well as a telephone operator. Most remember Karen for her many years of hard work in customer service at Kmart and Walmart. Those who knew her best will remember Karen for her toughness and strength, which assisted her in fighting and beating breast cancer. She will also be missed for her loving spirit as she welcomed many into her life and heart. In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband Bobby C. Morse, Sr. She is survived by her only son Bobby (Karen Hettinger) Morse Jr. of Benton Harbor, her adopted daughter Bambi (Joe Paugh) James of Benton Harbor, three grandchildren and five step-grandchildren, two sisters Doris Bess of Ava, Illinois and Shelly (Kenny) Thompson of Ava, Illinois, three nieces; Sheila (Larry) Howard of Benton Harbor, Mary (Bud) Radtke of Keeler and Sherry Still of Bradford, Arkansas, a nephew Bobby Hall of Benton Harbor as well as many close family members whom she loved very much. A memorial service to celebrate Karen's life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Red Arrow General Baptist Church at 3176 Red Arrow Hwy., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Memorial contributions may be made in Karen's memory to the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Those wishing to leave a message for the family may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHome. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.