Rilda Irene Morris, age 93 of Salem, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Baptist Health Floyd Hospital in New Albany.
She was born on March 11, 1932, in Wayne County, Kentucky to the late Jodie L. and Vada Ella (Cassada) Hammond.
She was a resident of Washington County since 1946 and was a 1950 graduate of Campbellsburg High School.
On July 26, 1952, she married Donald Bayard Morris, of Salem, who survives.
She retired from Salem Community Schools after working 27 years in the school cafeterias. She was a founding member of New Hope United Methodist Church serving on numerous committees. She was active in the United Methodist Women and sang in the church choir. She was a former member of the Westside Homemakers Club.
Irene was known for her service to others, her kind generosity, and her love for her family and friends. She was an avid gardener and an excellent cook.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by 3 daughters, Pamela Smith (Dennis Stoops), of Sellersburg, Donna Schmidt (Mike) of New Albany, and Susan Lawson (Michael) of Crestwood, Kentucky. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Adam Smith, Derek Smith, Erin Hobson, Carly Launius, Tyler Schmidt, Chelsea Murphy, and Haley Lawson. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren.
Irene was proceeded in death by a grandson, Chase Lawson, four brothers, Walter, Robert, Melvin, and Dewey Hammond, and four sisters, Delpha Gholson, Lela Canada, Luda Zink, and Mae Beshear.
Visitation will be at Dawalt Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 prior to the service. Interment to follow service at Crown Hill Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the loving staff at Rivercrest Senior Living for the excellent care they provided during the past year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 4957 West State Road 60, Salem, IN 47167 or to the Washington County Community Foundation,
Donald and Irene Morris Touch Tomorrow Fund, 1707 North Shelby Street, Suite 100, Salem, Indiana 47167 http://wwwwccf.biz
