Ernest Morgan Sr.

Ernest Morgan Sr., age 61, died surrounded by his family on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at his home outside of Ritzville after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Jan. 11, 1951, at Hillsboro, Ore., to Vernon Sr. and Sue Gladys Morgan. He had eight siblings, James Morgan (Eleanor), Ilene Morgan Lockhart (Charlie), Julie Morgan Wilkerson, Susi Morgan Tenity (Jay), Jeff Morgan (Robin), Valerie Morgan Horgan, Vernon Morgan Jr., (Teri) and Connie Morgan Martin.

He attended school in Gold Beach, Ore.

He married the love of his life, Sammie (Newton) Morgan on Oct. 17, 1972.

They moved to Ritzville in 1990. He worked as an auto mechanic for many years.

He was a member of the local Eagles and community pool leagues. The family says he liked to hunt, fish and spend time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father; three children, David (3), Angela (2) and Kassandra (six months); sister, Connie; and granddaughter Trenity (5).

He is survived by his wife, Sammie; his mother, Gladys; a daughter, Wanda Rand (Jim); a son, Ernie Morgan Jr. (Rikki); brother, Lee Ullrich, of Ritzville; grandchildren, Stuart, Darian, Casandra, Dillon, Layne, Aydon, Bella, Olyvia, Darik, Trevor, Savannah, Christine, Amanda, Kimmie, Pam, Rick and Shantina; three great-grandchildren, Angelina, Braden and Steven; and several brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates the care provided by Assured Hospice in his final days.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the account of Ernest Morgan (No. 242010002) at Big Bend Electric Cooperative, PO Box 348, Ritzville, WA 99169.

A memorial service will be Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Wheat Foundation Building, 109 E. First Avenue in Ritzville.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carvers Family Funeral Home of Moses Lake.

Memorial contributions can be made to Columbia Bank in the name of Sammie Morgan.