Betty J. Morris

Betty Jane (Longe) Morris, 85, of Wayne, NE, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the Wakefield Health Care Center. The visitation for Betty will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Wayne. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield

Betty was born on January 20, 1940, in Wakefield, Nebraska, to William and Eva (Flynn) Longe. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Wakefield. Betty graduated from Wakefield High School in 1957, and then she moved to Wayne, Nebraska, where she worked as an operator for Northwestern Bell. On May 29, 1959, Betty was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Morris at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wayne. They were married for nearly 55 years. They were blessed with two children, Jere and Jeanne.

Betty dedicated her life to her family as a wife, stay-at-home mom, and babysitter. The families she cared for became a part of the Morris family, with lifelong bonds formed through her kindness and care. She was a proud and devoted supporter of her children’s activities and spent countless hours attending and encouraging them. The role Betty held most dear was that of grandma to her “one and only,” Jeremy, who brought her immeasurable joy.

The Morris home was always a welcoming place, where guests were guaranteed plenty to eat and drink. In her younger years, Betty prepared the food herself; as she grew older and wiser, dining out, take-out, and catered meals became the norm. Neighborhood children enjoyed stopping by to play a game, sit and talk, or receive a candy bar—Betty’s door and heart were always open. Betty was a devoted caregiver to Bob during his battle with Parkinson’s disease. After moving to town in 1964, they settled into the home where Betty would live for the rest of her life. She was a caring friend and helper to her elderly neighbors and often spoke with gratitude about what a wonderful neighborhood she lived in. In later years, she fondly remarked how Bob and she had become the elderly neighbors themselves, with young couples returning that same kindness by helping them.

Betty’s faith was a steady source of strength throughout her life, and she cherished her church family. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and later Our Savior Lutheran Church. As her health made it harder to leave home, she was especially grateful for the kindness shown through visits, lovingly prepared meals, and the Christmas carolers who brightened her home each holiday season. Betty was also a member of the Winside American Legion Auxiliary.

Betty is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and John Vezner, and her grandson, Jeremy Vezner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her son, Jere; her parents, William and Eva Longe; her parents-in-law, John and Sophia Morris; and her brothers, Don Longe and Glenn “Ole” Longe.