Lisa Diane Starkovich Morse

Lisa Diane Starkovich Morse passed away Feb. 11, 2020, at 6:15 a.m. after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Lisa will be remembered for her inspiration to others, strength, faith, infectious smile, and happy nature.

Lisa was born to David and Colleen Starkovich on June 7, 1964 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Wah.. She attended Fruitland Elementary and was in several parades. She also attended Aylen Junior High School and graduated in 1982 from Puyallup High School. She participated in choir and loved to sing. Lisa left her mark in track and field events, holding shot put and discus records for many years. Lisa’s shot put record was held for 10 years and her discus record lasted for 17 years.

Lisa married her high school sweetheart, Steve Morse, on Aug. 6, 1983, enjoying 36 years of loving marriage. Before starting their family, Lisa and Steve enjoyed many hunting, fishing and camping adventures that would last their entire marriage and bring precious memories to their family. They loved salmon and halibut fishing out of Westport, Wash., and jet boat steelhead fishing along the Hoh River. They both loved fishing and spending time together, especially steelhead fishing out of Forks, Wash., in a drift boat or bottom fishing out of a launch boat for sea bass, rockfish and yellow eye off the San Juan Islands. According to Steve, Lisa “out-fished” him any day! Lisa’s “happy place” was on the boat, admiring scenery, waterskiing, tubing, and enjoying the time with loved ones.

In 1993, Lisa and Steve welcomed daughter Sarah and their son Jake in 1995. As a mother to young children, Lisa was strong, loving and steady. As the children grew up, she became their best friend. The Morse family loved to visit parents, siblings and friends on the west side of Washington state.

In 1991, Lisa and Steve moved to Newport, Wash., when Steve received a transfer to the Newport Safeway as the meat department manager. Lisa began her 29-year career at Newport Hospital and Health Services the same year. As the patient financial services manager, Lisa not only earned the love and respect from her staff and co-workers, but received a district award for “Outstanding Work in Patient Financial Services” in December 2019. Lisa’s staff surprised her with a “Hero” shirt the day of the award ceremony, and they wore matching shirts that proclaimed “Everyone Needs a Hero.”

Lisa especially loved gardening in her yard and caring for her hummingbirds, dogs, and cats. At any given time, Lisa was known to have up to eight hummingbird feeders. In 2011, a “hummingbird whisperer” from Montana visited the Morse house and allowed Lisa to gently hold a hummingbird and learn more about them. Lisa was amazed with their fragility and strength.

Lisa and her daughter, Sarah, shared every possible moment together. She was Sarah’s best friend, life mentor, and someone who encouraged Sarah to be herself. As Sarah grew, their relationship deepened, and Sarah spent five years with Lisa, guiding her through treatment, making memories and providing strength.

Lisa’s son, Jake, loved her spirit, caring nature, and incredible kindness. Watching Lisa as a grandma bond with his wife, Kylee, and son, Aiden, was truly a gift, especially since they moved back to Newport in 2019. Lisa is a role model to Jake, and inspired him to be the best version of himself when he was child and now as a husband and father.

Lisa is survived by her forever husband, Steve; two children, Sarah (John), and Jake (Kylee); and grandson Aiden; her parents, David and Colleen; her siblings, Marty (Danielle) and Carol (Rick); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Lisa is also survived by many friends and beloved co-workers.

Throughout her cancer treatment, Lisa felt very fortunate to have the care she received with Cancer Care Northwest, Providence Oncology (Spokane), and Hospice of Spokane. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to: Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation, Providence Oncology Services (Spokane) or Cancer Care Northwest Foundation.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Lisa touched are invited to her celebration of life at the American Lutheran Church (Newport) on Friday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services in Newport is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com.