Valda Marie Couden Morton

passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at Island Health & Rehabilitation on Bainbridge Island, Washington where she had been residing for the last three years. She was 95 years of age.She was born in Topeka, KS on December 5, 1911 to Ella Burtwell Couden and George William Couden.She was a member of Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church for the past ten years and prior to that she had been a member of the Free Methodist Church in various locations throughout the United States.On September 6, 1936 she married Ralph R. Morton in Greenville, IL, where he finished school and was ordained as a minister in the Free Methodist Church. Together they served many congregations throughout the United States: Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, California and Oregon. Upon retirement they were active in the Warm Beach (Stanwood), WA, Free Methodist Church. Their home was always welcoming to those in their community.In 1986 she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Rev. Ralph R. Morton. Valda is survived by her children Albert "Rich" Morton (Susan) of Bainbridge Island, WA and Bonnie Miller (Douglas) of Toledo, OH; by her grandchildren Katie Morton of Bainbridge Island, WA, and Craig Miller and Adam Miller of Toledo, OH; and, her sister Ruth Byrne (Harlan) of Arlington Heights, IL.Valda enjoyed knitting and crocheting blankets and sweaters for her family and friends. She loved playing games with friends and was known as being quite the jokester.A private family memorial service will be held at internment at an as yet to be determined date. Memorial contributions can be made to the local Helpline House.Arrangements by Kass and Cook Family Funeral Home.