Mary Morris

Mary Anne Morris, 72, a longtime resident of Salem, died at home on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

She was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, on July 31, 1954, the daughter of Walter and Neomi Penrod. She grew up in Murphysboro, graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1972 and attended John A. Logan College.

Mary Anne married Ted Morris on Oct. 6, 1979. Together, they raised two children in a loving home where one could always find sweet tea in the fridge, delightful tchotchkes on the shelves and at least two dogs underfoot.

In the 1970s and 1980s, she worked for Brown Shoe Company before becoming a teacher’s aide at the Raccoon School District in the early 1990s, when her children were students there. As they grew older, Mary Anne turned her eye for interesting things in an entrepreneurial direction, building her own independent business as an antiques dealer. She maintained a booth at the Alton Exchange consignment mall for decades, driving there once a week to restock and visit her beloved cousin Elizabeth Darnstaedt and Elizabeth’s husband, Robert, who lived nearby.

If you attended an auction or held a garage sale in the Salem area anytime between the late 1990s and mid-2010s, you almost certainly met Mary Anne. She was often the first customer, sometimes arriving while tables were still being set up — not that this stopped her from prowling among them, scanning for treasures and always ready to make a deal.

Mary Anne never saw a homeless animal that she didn’t want to rescue or a lonely person she didn’t try to befriend. She never heard of an injustice she could let stand or a good joke she wouldn’t tell you later. With a warm heart and a sharp sense of humor, she brought a spark to every room she entered. The world is colder and dimmer without it. But for those fortunate to love her, the memories burn bright.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ted Morris; her children, Heather Morris and Adam Morris (Allison Petty); her cousin Elizabeth Darnstaedt; her lifelong friends Barb Jackson (Steve) of San Antonio and Cathy Marble (Jerry) of Salem; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews in the Morris family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and Robert Darnstaedt.

Mary Anne’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Residential Hospice for their compassionate attention and support.

There will be a celebration of life visitation held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00p.m. at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Animal Control or an animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.