Cleo Joyce Morrison , 85, rural Des Lacs, formerly of Minot, died Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in her home.

Cleo Joyce Morrison was born on August 12, 1931 in Sherwood, ND, the daughter of Henry and Ida (Littlejohn) DesLauriers. She was raised and educated in Sherwood, ND, graduating from Sherwood High School in 1949. After earning a two year Standard Teaching Certificate at Minot Teacher's College, she taught in Columbus, ND for two years and in Mohall for two years.

Cleo married the love of her life, Doug Morrison, on June 26, 1955 at St. James Catholic Church in Sherwood. They made their home in Mohall for a short time, until moving to their home in Minot. Four children were the result of their union: Steve, Diane, Mark and Debbie. Along with nurturing her family, she also attended night classes until graduating from Minot State College with a Teaching Degree in 1975. She taught kindergarten and pre-school at Little Flower Catholic School in Minot until retiring in 1996.

Doug died on February 4, 2002. She continued to live in their home until the flood of 2011 forced her to move out. She then moved into a condominium in southeast Minot, where she resided for two years. Due to her health, she then moved in with her daughter Debbie, who cared for her until her time of death.

Cleo was a longtime member of Little Flower Catholic Church, where she was involved in the confraternity of Christian Mother's and bible study group, until becoming a member of her daughter's church, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her famous homemade buns and cinnamon rolls. She also enjoyed sewing and camping. While camping with her daughters a few years ago, she had her first and only experience with the jet-ski and motorcycle, all in one day. She had a special love for animals, but cats and dogs were her favorite. You could often find her spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. When her grandchildren would stay with her, she'd always make sure their tummies were full by making her famous pancakes, macaroni and cheese, popcorn and milkshakes, just to name a few. She also would make homemade play-doe, which kept them entertained for hours. She will be truly missed by all who shared in her life.

Those cherishing her memory include her children: Steve (Vicki) Morrison, Omaha, NE, Mark (Sherry) Morrison, Vacaville, CA, Diane (Jody) Martin and Debbie (Doug) Opland, both of Des Lacs; grandchildren: Erin (Dan) Pusch, Omaha, NE, Kyle Morrison, Omaha, NE, Lexi (Abe) Nelson, Roseville, CA, Jordan (Michael) McCollam, Vacaville, CA, Caleb Morrison, Sacramento, CA, Josiah Morrison, Vacaville, CA, Jessica (Brady) Carpenter, Ashley Opland, both of Minot, Chelsey Opland, Des Lacs, April (Colby) Anderson, Glenburn and Kayla Martin, Des Lacs; great-grandchildren: Mikaela and Tyson Pusch, Macie Nelson, Kaylee and Jesse McCollam, Hadley Carpenter and Jace Anderson; brother: Gary (Jenny) Des Lauriers, Minot, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Mass of Christian Burial : Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation : Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Little Flower Catholic Church, Bishop Ryan High School Foundation, all of Minot or an organization of the donor's choice.

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