Kimberly Jo Morgan

Our precious wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend has gone to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kimberly Jo ‘Kim’ LaDere Morgan- daughter of John LaDere and Janet (Ward) Gardner was born on February 18, 1961 in Petoskey, Michigan. She peacefully passed away with her husband, Jon, and their three children, Henry, Christine, and Skyler, surrounding her at their beloved farm house on February 20, 2025. 

God didn’t let the Heavens wait for its newest servant-saint. What a precious promise to behold. While our hearts grieve and will deeply miss her, we are comforted at the thought of her reunion in Heaven. She was the strongest woman with the biggest heart; despite health challenges, it never slowed her down. Everyone who knew her was blessed by Kim’s humble, unassuming nature. Her friendship was so unselfishly shared with many, her beautiful smile and laugh are treasured. We are so much better humans for knowing her and loving her. We will continue to hold her dear. Kim was as close as we know to the Proverbs 31 woman – a God loving woman, provider, trustworthy, strong, diligent worker, and most of all humble servant; she would not have liked all of this attention. 

She was a devoted wife of 35 years to her husband Jon – encouraging his love of nature, hunting, and his man cave. Her family and friends witnessed their beautiful devotion to each other, particularly over the last few months. Together, they raised their three children, their pride and joys. Her life revolved around her family. She attended every event possible involving her children and grandchildren. Her ‘Grands’ were spoiled by their Gram with dairy queen stops, Christmas cookie decorating, birthday celebrations, favorite snacks, lego kits, crafts, and many more special things. She was the carpool queen, always running Grands to and from, taking them along with her on her adventures and work trips. Both her kids and grands, were nurtured and taught various crafts, the love of learning, adventure, photography, genealogy, humor, a strong work ethic, the importance of family, and her modeling of selflessness through service. Her favorite times were spent at her ‘Happy Place’- at the pond, on the farm, with her family surrounding her - laughter, splashing and plenty of food at the weekly summer bonfire Kim and Jon hosted. Her last grandchild was born a day after Kim was released from the hospital- she was not going to miss being in that delivery room!

Kim’s extended family was precious to her. The oldest of nine children, she was the family historian, documenting past histories and compiling a family photo album for each sibling. Kim was always there for her father, helping him navigate social media platforms and the healthcare system. She could also be counted on to keep her mom in supply of puzzles. As an older sister does, she cared for and always kept an eye on her siblings, taking a motherly role- she had such a natural ability to mother and love others. She cherished any kind of special event that brought the whole family together, taking photos the whole time. She loved her trips to visit her sister in California- they had an ongoing Scrabble battle- Kim won the last game. 

Kim’s life was an incredible example of being the hands and feet of Jesus. There were very few people in the community that she did not touch in one way or another. She was often behind the scenes, preferring that to a spotlight on her giving and service. She spent years volunteering while her kids attended Alanson Public School and Harbor Light Christian School. She volunteered in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, several sport teams, ski club, plays and productions, fundraisers, and most any event that she could. At church, she volunteered in nursery and children’s programs, Christmas plays, Fifth Quarter, and serving in the kitchen for a variety of events. Who knows how many costumes she sewed or altered, how many sports games and fundraisers she assisted in one way or another, how many potlucks she served or dishes she washed. She silently and often anonymously donated money or gifts to individuals in need. She worked diligently on preserving Morgan Park on Crooked River, as a memorial tribute to the Morgan family. She also served the Alanson-Littlefield Township in several roles – Cemetery Sexton, Sewer Billing Clerk, Alanson Littlefield Fire Department Board Member and Payroll Administrator, Election Worker and Deputy Clerk. Both the Alanson Church of the Nazarene and the Alanson-Littlefield Township will miss her very much. 

The Lord gifted Kim with artistic creative talents. Over the years, many received special handmade quilts from Kim. She shared her love of sewing alongside her Aunt Cindy. Kim’s house overflowed with fabrics she collected, much like the people she collected and loved. Each of her creations was a tapestry, every stitch sewn in love, although the underside might be a little messy- they were a thing of beauty. She made intricate cross stitch patterns and also enjoyed painting. One of her last craft projects was her tradition of painting Christmas ornaments for each of her Grands. She was also a very talented photographer- capturing memories for many at various family, community, and church events. Kim had a passion for genealogy and local history- it wasn’t about collecting names, but preserving the stories and the memories. Her latest ongoing project was a genealogy of Alanson families. Kim knew and loved everyone’s history. 

Her family and loved ones will be keeping her legacy alive- her story is just being written. We will all miss her so much and are looking forward to our reunion in heaven. Please, if you don’t know her Lord and Savior, her family would be honored to introduce you. 

Kim is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jon; her children, Henry (Amanda) Hume, Christine (Cole Cherrette) Morgan and Skyler Morgan; her grandchildren, Eden, Willow, Reagan, and Reed Hume, Lakin and Drake Duval and Cash Cherrette. Her parents, John LaDere and Janet (Gary Leist) Gardner; father-in-law, Cleon Morgan; her sisters, Lori (Wes) Christie, Terri (Randy) Fettig, Amy Deloria, Missy (Brian) Golen, Mindy (Larry) Simon, Glenda (Gene) Midyett, brothers, John (Kim) LaDere, Gary (Mechelle) Gardner; in-laws, Debbie (Rick) Allen and Karen Morgan; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Kim was preceded in death by her step-mother, Joanne “Annie” LaDere, her step-father, Gary Gardner; her mother-in-law, Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Morgan; and her very special aunt, Cindy Hall.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Alanson Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10am, with a service at 11am and a luncheon immediately following the service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kimberly Jo Morgan, please visit our floral store.