Vicki Todd Morris

Vicki Lynn Todd Morris, 75, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023 after a sudden illness. She was surrounded by loving friends and family in her final days, which was her ideal scenario. Vicki was born on April 16, 1948 in Salt Lake City, UT and ultimately grew up in Cheyenne, WY. She finished Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in Long Beach, CA and settled in Fort Collins, CO with her husband for over 50 years. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Russell, four children, Kimberly Butler (Kent), Valerie Rasmussen (Craig), Linda Sampson (Lyle), and Samuel Morris, and four grandchildren, Charles Butler, Cole Carbon Sampson, Joshua Rasmussen, and Samantha Rasmussen, her brother David Todd (Mary), several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Vicki met her husband Russell in 1969 at Grand Teton National Park where they were both working as park rangers. After a summer of dating, they went back to their respective colleges in different states. The long distance relationship proved difficult for the young couple so they decided to elope in November of 1969. They made Long Beach, CA their home while finishing college at California State University and welcomed their first daughter Kimberly in 1971. They moved to their forever home in Fort Collins, CO in 1973 where they welcomed three more children, Valerie (1975), Linda (1978), and Samuel (1979). Nothing made Vicki happier than her family and was blessed to stay at home with them during their preschool years and provide a loving environment for them to grow and develop.

Vicki was an avid sewer and made the kids and grandkids many of their outfits, especially when they were younger. For her daughters and granddaughter, she would make matching Barbie or doll outfits. She also made prom, homecoming dresses, wedding, and bridesmaid dresses for her girls (which they still have to this day). In addition, she crocheted, knitted, and quilted. These unique talents not only saved money for her family but allowed her to express her creativity.

Although the majority of her career was as an exceptional homemaker, she did spend several years as a substitute paraprofessional teacher for elementary and middle school children with special needs. She would work in different classrooms frequently and took the time to understand what each child needed and care for them with love and respect.

Vicki loved genealogy and volunteered at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Family History Center for over 30 years. She also read several books a week and enjoyed cooking, baking, and traveling. She and Russ were blessed with the opportunity to go to England and Ireland, along with several states. However, her favorite travel was to see family in Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming, Arizona, and Iowa.

Vicki never backed down from a challenge, especially in recent years. She survived several health scares, most recently overcoming breast cancer in 2020. The residual effects of the cancer treatment caused weakened health, with the last several months very difficult. Through it all she was able to welcome her entire family to Fort Collins for her 75th birthday celebration in May 2023. Even in her last moments in this life, she fought to hang on for as long as possible.

Vicki will be missed by so many, including her close friends, family, and church. The light is gone, however, she will forever shine in our hearts.



In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Family Search Center through donation slips at the local chapels.