A Eulogy of Loraine "Gramma" Morehouse, Nancy Dornan's Mother

Loraine Morehouse… 1912-2010.  The most insignificant piece of punctuation today is most certainly the dash between 1912 and 2010.  Gramma’s 97 years of vibrant living could not begin to be conveyed…by a dash.  And the more I see of her life the more I know I could not begin to capture her essence with a few words.  But with her passing we all will try and in so doing maybe our actions and words…and even the people we are, will provide some description of her life.   

Loraine Morehouse—mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Christian, leader, and friend—passed away at her home in Johns Creek, GA, USA encircled by the love of family and friends on February 13^th, 2010.   Her 97 year odyssey began on September 8^th, 1912 in the tiny village of Donovan Illinois where she was the first child of Harry and Leona Winslow.  She was a 1930 graduate of Donovan High School and went on to graduate from beauty school.

Loraine married Robert Elliott in 1936 and had three children; Charles now in Lawrenceville GA, James from Brookston, IN and Nancy of Johns Creek, GA.

Robert died in 1963 in Monticello, Indiana. In 1970, Loraine married Roy Neier who died then in 1978. Then, in 1982 she married Henry Morehouse and they were together 26 years until his death in Nov 2008.  How rare that one would live long enough to have 2 silver anniversaries!

Loraine moved from Delphi Indiana to Monticello in 1960, but for the last ten years she and Henry lived most of the time with Nancy and Jim in Georgia and in Florida where Gramma loved the beach and fishing.

She is survived by two sisters, Virginia Shonk from Camden, Indiana and Betty Yerkes of Rossville Indiana. She has 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Gramma probably believed that life begins at 70, because at 70 years of age she fully devoted her life to Jesus Christ.  For those who knew her then, there was a marked difference in her life, before and after Christ.  Whether in her home withclose family or out in public withtotal strangers, Loraine unashamedly demonstrated her faith in God.  In fact, her home church in Indiana was so inspired by Loraine’s life they devoted their entire service last Sunday to remembering her even though she had lived in the South for so long. 

But in the end, Gramma’s legacy does not last because it is written in ink or spoken with words.  It does not last because it is etched in stone…a legacy lasts because it is written on a heart.  And today we can attest that “Gramma” is a word…and a memory…and a love, indelibly written on our hearts.  And her legacy will be most beautifully written and powerfully spoken in the lives that we live. 

And for those, who so lovingly poured themselves into her life over the years, please know today that Gramma is probably mentioning your name to our Heavenly Father right now.  And undoubtedly waves of mercy and blessing will be flowing toward you for taking care of her.  

Loraine Morehouse…Gramma…Mom…will never be forgotten.  In fact she now takes up dual residence not only in the memories of our past but in the thoughts of our future.  She is not behind us but, rather… has gone on ahead of us.  And she calls us to join her one day when our life and our mission in life is over.  Thank you for showing us how to live, Gramma and showing us the way home.  Thank you for your love and your example.  We will see you again!

Donation Information:In lieu of flowers, The Dornans have suggested donations be made to The Fernando Foundation in Gramma’s memory.  To donate go to, https://www.networkofcaring.org/support_noc.php.  You can leave comments for the Dornans in the comment box.  Thank you for honoring the life of Gramma!

-Written by R.D. Saunders, Chief Significance Officer-Network of Caring