Edna R. Morford

Edna "Ruth" Morford passed away June 6, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska at 98 years of age.  She was born November 25, 1925 in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Moses and Addie Phillips; brothers Ewett (Grace) Phillips, Howard (Lydia) Phillips, Edwin (Rosa) Phillips, Marshall (Dorsie) Phillips; sisters Ida Mae (John) Cummins, Ann (James) Tingle, Sara Phillips; former spouse Walter Morford; former son-in-law Donald Diamond.

She is survived by her daughters Debra Diamond Monestero and Doris (Tod) Finney; grandchildren Michelle (Renald) Martin, Stacey Shindo, Matthew (Jaime) Diamond, Jennifer Diamond, Bryan Diamond, Nathan (Alyson) Diamond; great-grandchildren Taylor, Caralyn, Andrew, Mason, Tyler, Brayden, Ryan and Grace;  nieces, nephews, and other family.

Ruth comes from a large family rooted in tobacco and dairy farming.  Many beloved family members remain in the Shelbyville area and beyond.  She loved the country life and had the true grit of a Kentucky Woman blended with Southern Lady.  Early pictures show her value of friendship.  She enjoyed Bible Studies, girl talk and road trips with special friends from Omaha for many years. She loved Kentucky basketball and ALL football.  She followed her favorites, knew the names of players and their accomplishments.  She dressed “red” for every Husker game day and loved company for the occasion. 

Sorting through pictures and memories of her playing softball, hiking, parasailing, standing at her great-grandaughter’s bedside in the NICU for many hours, rocking babies, and hot-rodding, was a revelation.  I was reminded of her tirelessness and sense of fun, then realized that many of these escapades were in her 80’s and 90’s!  She is an amazing inspiration of energy and strength.

Her grandchildren recall fond memories of her playing with them and her cooking.  Visits with grandma always included her special homemade treats.  Banana bread, waffles, dutch babies, chocolate cake and bacon were favorites.  She loudly played Praise and Worship music, while jumping on a small trampoline and joyfully dancing it up!  They are grateful that she lived a long life and remember her as “always loving and a soft place to land”.  We loved her so much!  

 Her greatest joy was the love of her family.  She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.   Her biggest strength and her family’s greatest Blessing, was her commitment to prayer and service to her Lord.   She prayed daily for the salvation, health, safety, and victory of her family.  She called us all out by name and quoted the Word of God over our lives.   She could recite any scripture for any occasion.  She prayed the 91^st Psalm often and “pulled it out” as an answer to whatever was happening!   Her Faith was absolute.  She took authority (in Jesus name) over storms, circumstances, and illness.  She walked in Favor and Blessing, trusting God to provide all her needs.  

From her daughter, Doris:    The most priceless gift that Mom is leaving behind is her faith and strong belief  in the Lord.  Mom set a great example to follow, praying powerful prayers for her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  When she is resurrected into her new life eternal, her prayers will be more powerful than they have ever been.  His Word never fails, never gets old, and never passes away.  Mom believed in household salvation, trusting God to meet all her needs and to take care of her family.  The greatest gift of all she gave us was her faith and prayers.  What a great legacy!  

St. John 12:24

Acts 16:31