Stephanie Morrison, 52
Stephanie Morrison, 52, of Fruitland passed away Saturday, April 14, 2007, at her home surrounded by her loving husband and daughter following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the First Baptist Church of Sandpoint. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Payette.
Stephanie was born Dec. 3, 1954, in Lakeport, Calif., to Salvador DeSimone and Ruth McHenry.
She was later adopted by John Doug Dillingham upon his marriage to Ruth.
Throughout the time that she was in grammar school and high school in Lakeport, Stephanie studied and partook in dance which she greatly enjoyed and excelled at.
Later in 1973, she participated in the Miss America Pageant and was first runner up for Miss Lake County. When she graduated from high school, she moved to Santa Rosa, Calif., where she participated and was third runner up for Miss Sonoma County 1974.
In 1979, after moving back to Lakeport, she met the love of her life, Larry Morrison and they were married in 1980. making their home in Clearlake, California.
Shephanie worked as a customer service representative for State Farm Insurance until 1983 when she gave birth to their son, Derek Morrison.
She then became a stay at home mom and continued that occupation with the birth of their daughter Kala in 1985.
It wasn't until 1990 that Stephanie resumed her career as a CSR for State Farm Insurance after Larry, herself and their children moved to Grangeville, Idaho.
She continued to work in that small town until 1994. With a career opportunity for Larry, they moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, where they raised their children and enjoyed their new life full of school, homework, sports, cheerleading and Stephanies's return to the insurance business.
She then became a member of her church family at First Baptist Church of Sandpoint where she met many wonderful close friends and lasting relationships.
After both Derek and Kala graduated from Sandpoint High School, they both moved to Moscow, Idaho, where they are attending the University of Idaho.
Stephanie continued to be an active part in her children's lives and particularly enjoyed visiting them on campus for Mom's Weekend and other special occasions.
In 2005, Larry decided to retire, so upon looking for warmer climates and still being close to their children, they chose Fruitland, Idaho, where despite Stephnanie's remarkable strength and courage, her last year and a half battle with cancer concluded.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her infant brother, Michael DeSimone; her loving mother Ruth Dillingham, and her grandparents, Lloyd and Pauline Willis of Lower Lake, Calif. She leaves behind her husband Larry Morrison; son Derek Morrison, daughter Kala Morrison, stepson Jerry Morrison; stepfather John "Doug" Dillingham; brothers, Steven Dillingham, Scott Dillingham, Michael Dillingham; her cousins, her aunts and uncles and her five nephews.
The family would like to thank Patty Amato, R.N., and the rest of the staff at Heart 'n Home Hospice; Dr. Bolender, Dr. Smith Dr. Rustad, Dr. Swerdloff and all the other nurses and staff at MISTI for their loving, compassionate, and excellent care during Stephanie's long and difficult fight against cancer.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the Heart 'n Home Hospice, 1401 N. Whitley Dr. Suite 16, Fruitland, Idaho, 83619 or to the charity of your choice.