Uta Lucia Morton

Uta Lucia Morten, daughter of the late Friedrich and Juliane (Hattler) Frank, was born September 11, 1945 in Waldkirchen, Germany. Uta was raised in Augsburg, Germany in a community adjoining an American community just outside an American Army base. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Augsburg. While growing up in Augsburg, Uta had many American friends and became fluent in English. She came to America in 1970 for the first time and obtained her citizenship and has permanently lived here since 1980. On July 9, 1970, Uta married the love of her life, John D. Morten, Jr. while still in Germany. They shared over 41 years of marriage together and were blessed with one daughter, Michelle. Uta obtained the equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Germany. As part of her education, she worked in a jewelry store. After graduation, Uta worked for two years as a pediactrics nurse at an American Hospital in Augsburg, Germany. She worked for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service for almost two years before moving to the United States. After moving to the U.S., Uta continued working for AAFES until her medical retirement on April 1, 2001. She was one of the managers in the Military Clothing Department at Fort Leonard Wood. In her spare time, Uta loved swimming and volunteered as a life guard on several occasions. She loved animals and always had a dog and sometimes a cat or two. She was a fashion and jewelry enthusiast and always was dressed and groomed immaculately. She had a knack for decorating the home, loved clocks and had over 20 in the house and angel figurines, dolls and pictures. Most importantly, she cherished those times spent with her family. Uta was a member of the Fort Leonard Wood Lions Club. She travelled extensively with her husband John while he was District Governor of Lions during 1995-1996. She loved meeting other Lions. Uta passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in the St. Johns Regional Health System of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 66 years, 3 months and 3 days. She will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved her. Uta leaves to cherish her memory her husband, John of the home; one daughter: Michelle Evans of St. Roberts, MO; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren and several cousins and one aunt still living in Germany, other relatives and friends. Uta was preceded in death by her father (who died at the age of 42), one brother (who also died at the age of 42), and her mother (who died at the age of 84). Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Calvin Gladden and Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Soloist Chrystal Gladden sang “In the Garden”. Serving as escorts were Donald Slater, Russel Dixon, Julius Nutter, Frank Campbell, Neal Overstreet, Keith Campbell , Daniel Arden and John Cox IV. Serving as honorary escorts were Jack Bedrosian, Adolphus Erskine, Winston Jefferson, Kevin Johnson, Robert Smith and Maurice Vallair. Burial followed in the Deerlick Cemetery of Waynesville. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Uta Lucia Morton

September 11, 1945 - December 14, 2011