Marilyn 'Billie' Morgan

God gently gathered Marilyn C. #8220;Billie#8221; Morgan into His arms on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 from her Bozeman hospital bed, surrounded both in thought and in person by three generations of her family. A life-long resident of the #8220;Valley of the Flowers#8221; (Gallatin Valley), she was born June 25, 1923 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, the third daughter of Carl and Dolly (Florence) Rosenberg. Family lore has it her father called her #8220;Billie#8221; because he and his brothers wanted a boy to carry on their farming heritage near Cottonwood Canyon. Growing up there was a truly rural life. Billie attended area schools and graduated from Bozeman High School. While studying Home Economics at then Montana State College (MSU), she worked in several places, including the original Gateway Inn and the Pea factory. She also joined the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, making friendships that lasted her entire life. Upon her sister Lolly#8217;s recommendation, she met Horace Morgan on a double blind date after recruiting sorority sister Kay (Dahl) Callantine to be the other female half. Later describing him as #8220;the most charming man she#8217;d ever met#8221;, Billie and Horace were married on Nov. 21, 1944 at Holy Rosary church in Bozeman. They made their home in the mouth of Gallup Canyon, north of Pass Creek. Billie lived there the rest of her life, raising their three children and working as Horace#8217;s help mate for over 58 years. Although the bands of sheep were replaced with cattle in the late 60#8217;s, Billie continued to enjoy her #8220;farm flock#8221; of former 4-H/FFA project sheep until 1989. Flowers and gardening were an integral part of Billie. She always had some plant blooming, with a beautiful yard and flower gardens, plus an asparagus/vegetable garden every year, including 2010. She joined the Catholic Church when she got married and the Saturday trips to evening Mass in Belgrade became a regular outing. Billie kept a daily diary for years, noting the weather and important items and events relating to ranch life. These were an invaluable reference for the entire family. Billie#8217;s wide circle of friends included the ladies from both her #8220;North Country#8221; and #8220;town#8221; bridge clubs, where she played every Wednesday for over 60 years. Billie belonged to the unofficial PTA for Pass Creek School, Gallatin Cowbelles/CattleWomen, North Country Gals extension club, and was an active 4-H/FFA parent. She continued her interest in learning by supporting her grandchildren in their various activities and Fair participations. Although heart disease and macular degeneration somewhat limited her physical abilities in later years, Billie never lost the twinkle in her blue eyes or enjoyment of the most simple things in life. She truly appreciated the blessings which she received, including the companionship of generations of dogs and cats. Queenie, the cat, and Max, the wonder dog, have been her housemates following Horace#8217;s passing in 2002. Billie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Horace; her sisters and brothers-in-law Tally (Thelma) Bill Eversz of Arizona and Lolly (Ella) Delbert Slaught of California; her grandson, Clinton Franklin Morgan; and many of her Morgan in-laws. Immediate family survivors include her three children and their spouses who all ranch in the Valley: Frank Nancy Morgan of Bear Canyon, Steve (Darrell) Donna Morgan in the Dry Creek area, and Anne Charles Switzer near Springhill. Nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive. These are Dr. Sarah (Zac) Morgan-Edwards with Skye and Parker, Carol Morgan, Natalie Morgan, Zade Morgan with Thane, Abby (Wade) Schock, and Joel, Callin, Tessa, and Conner Switzer. Should people desire, Billie wished that memorials be made to Pass Creek Community Center (c/o Alice Miller, 17850 Dry Creek Road, Belgrade 59714) or Eaglemount (6901 Goldenstein Lane, Bozeman, MT 59715) Visitation will be Friday, October 29, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at Valley of the Flowers Catholic Church in Belgrade. A Mass will follow Saturday at 11:00 am at the church, followed by her burial in the Morgan Cemetery on Rocky Mountain Road, and a gathering at the Pass Creek Community Center.