Eupha Alice Buck Morris

After a long and productive life Eupha Alice Buck Morris passed away August 21, 2015, in Albuquerque at the age of 102. Eupha was born August 1, 1913, in Weed, Otero County, New Mexico. Her parents were John Lee Buck and Alice Lenora Robertson Buck. She was delivered by her maternal grandmother, a midwife. She was proud to be a native New Mexican. Eupha was the youngest child of 6 children. Her first home was a ranch in Lower Penasco, New Mexico. The family moved to a farm near Tularosa, New Mexico, when Eupha was 4. From an early age Eupha was interested in mathematics and the application of numbers in her daily life. She also excelled at puzzles and had a keen interest in psychology. Eupha was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church. She attended school in Tularosa where she graduated as the Tularosa High School valedictorian in 1932. An avid learner, Eupha continued her education at the University of New Mexico (UNM) in the fall of 1932. She received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, with a minor in Spanish, in the spring of 1935. She received a Master of Science in mathematics, with a minor in psychology, in 1941. Eupha was a natural teacher and enjoyed sharing her love of learning with many students. She taught elementary school in Hagerman, New Mexico, from 1937 to 1940. She was a member of the UNM mathematics department faculty, teaching mathematics from 1940 to 1947. She was a home study (extension course) mathematics instructor for UNM from 1947 to 1985. Eupha met the love of her life, Harry Oliver Morris, at UNM when they were both undergraduates. They were married in Demming, New Mexico, on Dec 23, 1942, after Harry received his law degree from George Washington University (Washington, D.C.). Harry was an officer in the US Army at the time of their marriage. They lived in Riverside, California, Baltimore, Maryland, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. They finally settled in Albuquerque in 1946. They soon welcomed three children, Harry, Jr., Charles, and Linda, to the family. Eupha was active in civic and charitable organizations. These included Town Club (where she was a sponsor), Knife and Fork Club, American Association of University Women (past president of the Albuquerque chapter), Church Women United, United Methodist Women (past president of the Central United Methodist chapter), UNM Alumni, PTA, and Friends of the Rio Grande Zoo. She also served on the Albuquerque Zoological Advisory Board. Eupha was always an advocate for the less fortunate and ever willing to serve others through organizations as well as on an individual, personalized level. She had a love for gardening and yard work, bridge, reading, knitting, crocheting, sewing, dancing, travelling, socializing, entertaining, card games, family, church work, camping and boating. In particular she enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in the Manzano Mountains. Eupha is survived by her children, Harry O. Morris, Jr. of Albuquerque, Charles E. Morris (wife Elizabeth) of Durango, CO, and Linda M. Swenson (husband Michael) of Idaho Falls, Idaho. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Laura Swenson, David (wife Erica) Swenson, Mark Swenson and Julie Swenson; as well as great-grandsons Jonathan Swenson and Isaac Swenson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry O. Morris, a beloved daughter-in-law, Christine Morris, her parents, and her siblings Spiva, Lonnie, Mary Lenora (Lena), Willis, and Rolla. Loving appreciation is expressed to family friends Gary and Bonnie Simmons and Alice Maxey. Also enriching Eupha's life were Terri, Georgia, Paula, Mary, Joe, and other individuals who tenderly cared for Eupha during her final years. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at FRENCH - University (1111 University Blvd NE). Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015, at Central United Methodist Church (201 University Blvd NE). Entombment in the Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum (Sunset Memorial Park) will occur at a later date.