Irene Morlan…October 12, 1927 – June 14, 2015

Graveside services for Las Animas, Colorado resident, Irene Morlan will be held at 10 am on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at McClave Cemetery in McClave, Colorado.

Irene Rose Mary (Rouse) Morlan  was born on October 12, 1927 in Worcester, England to Frederick and Rose (Hemming) Rouse.   She passed away June 14, 2015 at Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford, Colorado at the age of 87.

Irene married American GI Francis Dean Morlan on September 9, 1945 in Worcester, England.  In June 1946, she and baby daughter, Susan spent nine days aboard the USS Alexander, a war bride ship, followed by five days on a train to arrive in Las Animas, Colorado.  Three other children, Karen, Terry, and Keith followed.

In her early married life, she was a proud homemaker and enjoyed baking and cooking for her family.  She was especially famous for her sugar cookies.  After her children were raised, she enjoyed working as a bartender and meeting many people.  Irene loved to knit and craft and gave her many handmade items to others.  She also loved her dogs.  Recently she enjoyed her time at Pioneer Health Care Center, especially playing BINGO and going on outings.

Irene is survived by her daughters,  Susan Petersen of La Junta and Karen Cox of Stuarts Draft, VA; sons, Terry (Linda) Morlan of La Junta and Keith (Diane) Morlan of Hammondsport, NY; nine grandchildren,  Kimberly Webb, Mandy Erway, Paula Pendleton, Brenda Overby, Tami Holbert, Heather May, Teradette Wilson, Rebecca Morlan, and Austin Morlan; and 15 great grandchildren,  Matthew Parlier, Philip Parlier, Chelsey Erway, Brittany Erway, Ashley Brundage, Elizabeth Wright, Emilee Brundage, Cheyenne Sheffer, Sierra Sheffer, Mickey Holbert, Morgan Holbert, Jack May, Hadley May, Adam Wilson, and Blake Wilson; brothers,  John Rouse of Worcester, England and Ray (Pam) Rouse of Redditch, England.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Morlan; parents, Fred and Rose Rouse, son-in-law, Jack Cox; and son-in law, Phil Petersen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Pioneer Health Care Center in care of Horber Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 431, Las Animas, CO 81054.

For more information or to leave online condolences please visit www.horberfuneralchapel.com.