Mrs. Zoe Elizabeth Morgan, 93, of rural Niota, IL passed away at 10:00 PM Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital in Ft. Madison, IA.

She was born on December 5, 1920 in Washington D.C. the daughter of Fredrick and Minnie Longshie Hughett. In 1938 Zoe married Clarence Morgan in Festus, MO. He preceded her in death on July 25, 1986.

As a young girl, her family traveled extensively, as her father was an accountant for the Frisco Railroad. When he became head accountant, the family settled in St. Louis, where Zoe finished secondary school early, having been skipped ahead several grades due to her incredible mind. Mrs. Morgan attended Lindenwood College in St. Louis and later Washington University, also in St. Louis, where she was the first woman to study chemical engineering. It was here that Zoe met Clarence. He literally knocked her off her feet, when a basketball he threw accidentally struck her in the head. This began their relationship, changing both of their lives forever.

Early in life Zoe worked for McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach, CA. She then worked as a florist for Gardenia in St. Louis. Closer to home Mrs. Morgan and her husband farmed and sold wholesale flowers from their homestead. She was just as comfortable operating a tractor, repairing motors and swinging a hammer as she was using her paint brush. She also worked for the IAAP in Middletown, IA, as well as the Sheaffer Pen Company in Ft. Madison. Zoe was active in the community, serving as the tax assessor. She was a member of the local garden club. Zoe was compassionate about animals and often opened her doors to stray pets. She enjoyed singing with the choir at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Ft. Madison. She had a deep sense of magic and adventure, even backpacking in the Amazon Rainforest, climbing Machu Pichu, and exploring various countries in Europe into her eighties. Her hobbies included reading, playing the piano, pottery and painting.

Zoe is survived by 4 Daughters, Sunny Sue (Ben) Chaney of Kingsport, TN, Merry Alice Leach of Niota, IL, Bonny Melissa (Tippy) Gates of Niota, IL, and Gay Diane (Al Clark) Morgan of Te Awamutu, New Zealand, 5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, son-in-law, Tom Leach and one sister, Sue Marie Hughett.

No Services are planned. A memorial fund has been established for the Lee County Hospice. Contributions may be mailed to; Zoe Morgan Memorial Fund, c/o Banks & Beals Funeral Home, PO Box 70, Dallas City, IL 62330. Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.