Ginger Lou (Baker) Morris

Ginger Baker Morris of Salem, age 83, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 1:38 p.m., at Baptist Health Floyd, in New Albany, Indiana. She was born December 5, 1936 in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of Herschel and Edna (Roach) Baker.

Ginger was a lifelong resident of Washington County. She married John R. Morris on October 23, 1957, and they were married 55 years. She was a long time member of Salem Presbyterian Church, where she served on the session multiple times, was part of the Presbyterian Women’s Group, and enjoyed singing in the choir.

Ginger graduated from Pekin High School in 1953, at the age of 16, and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1957. She greatly enjoyed college, participated in several clubs, and became a member of Delta Zeta sorority. She completed her master’s degree in secondary education in 1967. She taught for 43 years, 41 of them at Salem Community Schools. At the time of her retirement, she was teaching grandchildren of her first students. Ginger loved teaching, and especially loved teaching history. Her enthusiasm and descriptive stories made history fun for her students.

Ginger always loved Salem and Washington County. She once noted that, although she had made some mistakes, she had always tried to do her best for both. She served on the Salem City Council for 24 years, as well as serving on the Library Board, and the Tree Board. She was also involved in numerous organizations in which she felt strongly about, including Awareness Washington County, PEO, Tri Kappa, Tri Kappa Associates, Delta Kappa Gamma, Salem Afternoon Women’s Club, IU Alumni Association, Indiana State Teachers Association, and Washington County Retired Teachers Association. Social Clubs included Possibilities Book Club, Library Book Club, Fortnightly Club, and multiple Bridge and Euchre clubs. She was a 50 year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as a founding board member of the Washington County Community Foundation. In retirement, she volunteered at several organizations including the Depot Railroad Museum at the John Hay Center, the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary, and the Salem Food Bank.

She is survived by her sons: John Michael (Pamela) Morris of Trinity, Florida, and Christopher Lane (Christine) Morris of Salem, Indiana. Six grandchildren: John Michael II, Alexander, and Stephanie Morris of Florida, Zachary Morris of California, and Cameron and Benjamin Morris of Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one granddaughter, Kathleen “Katie” Morris.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Washington County Community Foundation, Touch Tomorrow Fund, 1707 North Shelby Street, Suite 100, Salem, Indiana 47167. http://www.wccf.biz.

There will be a private service for the family at Crown Hill Cemetery, with a public service at a later date.

Dawalt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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