Jessie Morton

Jessie K. Morton, 97, of Newton, formerly of Hubbard, died Jan. 6, 2025, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. Burial and grave side service will be held at a later date.

Jessie, the daughter of Jesse and Emma (Box) Clark, was born May 30, 1927, in Rose Township. She grew up during the depression in a family of 12 children. She would often share stories about their lives, adventures and hardships on the farm and during that time. She attended school in Chariton and proudly told people she graduated eighth grade before going to work.  Jessie was united in marriage with John Loren ‘Skeeter’ Morton June 30, 1945, in Princeton, Missouri.  The couple eventually made their home in Iowa Falls for over two decades until moving to Hubbard in 1967 where John owned his own business and Jessie did all the bookwork.  Jessie had worked as a police dispatcher, a hospital aide and a waitress before opening her own businesses in Hubbard. She first owned a Depression glass and antiques store and later had a secondhand store. She was a long time member and volunteer of the Salem United Methodist Church and the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. For decades she belonged to a coffee club that met each week with many friends of both hers and John’s. Jessie and John wintered in Donna Texas for years enjoying spending the mild winter weather with friends there and the community. Jessie was an avid league bowler and had many trophies and awards. She loved doing jigsaw puzzles and acquired nearly 100. She enjoyed embroidery and quilting, was an avid reader, loved going junkin’ (especially when she found a good deal), and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

   Jessie is survived by her six children: Judith Jaques, of Alden; John Michael Morton, of Hubbard; Belinda Shaver, of Hubbard; Paula (Kenny) White, of Marshalltown; Kimberly (Steve) Shaver, of Monroe, and Lorna Marter, of Newton; her grandchildren: Daniel (Iris) Jaques, Rebecca Jaques, Matthew Jaques, Joanna (Chad) Kuiper, Brandon (Carey) Morton, Kristal Morton, Melanie (Jim) Rahn, Amy (Chris) Foust, Bettina Papenfus, Dez (Lucas) Shaver, Kayley Shaver, Kendra (Calvin) Runner, Lisa (Roger) Fahrni, Shaun White, Samantha (Levi) Schwarz, and Jacob Marter; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers; three sisters; husband, John; two sons-in-law: Tom Jaques and Jerry Shaver; a great-granddaughter, Piper Rahn, and many friends. 

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the people who cared for her at MercyOne Newton. A special thanks to all her wonderful friends at Linden Place Apartments, especially Peg, who made her feel so cared for and welcomed. Cards and memorials may be directed to Lorna Marter, 338 S 6th Ave. W, Newton IA 50208.