Ruth Ann "Sam" Morrissey

Ruth Ann “Sam” Morrissey (Hoogerwerf), 85, of Fishers, IN, formerly of Geneseo, IL, passed away on July 14, 2023, at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 5-7 PM at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Atkinson, IL, with Deacon Nick Simon officiating. She will be laid to rest at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Indiana Special Olympics and Geneseo Education Foundation. Condolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com

Ruth was born January 11, 1938, to Roy and Margaret Hoogerwerf from Atkinson, Illinois.  From a young age, Sam had a strong desire to learn about the world through reading, exploring and problem-solving. In 1956 she graduated from Atkinson High School and continued her studies at the University of Illinois.  Four years later, Sam was one of the first female Atkinson High School graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree.  Sam spread her love of learning by becoming a teacher.  She was the first lay teacher at St. Malachy Catholic School in Geneseo.   

Faith, family and serving others were major focuses in Sam’s life.   A life-long Christian Catholic, she always knew that she was a child of God.  From an early age, Sam learned the family tradition of feeding the hungry by providing meals to sick and grieving families.  Sam always had baked goods handy to give to workers and service people who came to their home.  Her sweet rolls, caramel corn and popcorn were legendary treats among family and friends. 

She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church (Atkinson, IL), St. Malachy Catholic Church (Geneseo, IL), Holy Spirit Catholic Church (Sioux Falls, SD), St. Andrews Catholic Church (Chandler, AZ), and St. Louis de Montfort (Fishers, IN).  She served the Lord by being a liturgical reader, a catechist, taking communion to the elderly and ill, leading Bible studies, and serving on numerous committees and service projects.  However, her favorite way to praise God was through music.  Sam loved singing in both church choirs and in the Trilogy Singers.

Sam married Dan Morrissey on June 24, 1961.  They were blessed with two boys, Patrick (1962) and Matthew (1969).  During their 62 years of marriage, they lived in Geneseo, Illinois, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Gilbert, Arizona and Fishers, Indiana.  Travel was a passion that they both shared.  Sam and Dan visited all 50 states and especially enjoyed visiting the national parks and presidential libraries. They toured China, Europe and took a cruise around South America. 

Sam was an avid sports fan.  She rarely missed an Illini football or basketball game.  Sam also cheered for the White Sox and Blackhawks.  She enjoyed watching her grandchildren play various sports either traveling to their events or streaming them on her computer. 

Sam was excellent with a needle and thread. She sewed everything from Barbie clothes to dresses for her granddaughters.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren always had the best Halloween costumes ranging from Peter Pan to a pink flamingo.  

Sam lived a full and impactful life.   Those left to cherish her memories include her husband Dan, her sons, Pat (Denise Cleair) and Matt (LoRi Fryhling), four grandchildren: Sean (Jenny Trotta), Maggie, Kasey and Cooper, and two great granddaughters Charlie and Avery.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roy Hoogerwerf and Margaret Hoogerwerf (Vandersnick) and her sister, Shirley Little.