Obituary of Denise L. Morton

Denise Lynn Morton (née Henry) of Coal Valley, IL, passed away at the age of 57 on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the University of Iowa Hospitals. Denise had been diagnosed with a blood disorder called Polycythemia-Vera almost 20 years ago and was successful in keeping it under control through clean eating and keeping fit with daily workouts. In mid-September of this year, it progressed into Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Denise sought treatment first at a facility in Arizona, but after developing a respiratory complication, she opted to move to the UI Hospitals to be treated closer to family. Denise was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa on April 6, 1959 and moved to Iowa City when she was 4. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1982 with a degree in Piano Performance. Denise and Ron met in the Hawkeye Marching Band and were married on July 11, 1981. Being very active regionally as a piano teacher and oboist, she performed in the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra for 19 years, the last 10 as Principal Oboe, and as Second Oboe of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra for 22 years. Being with family was always a priority, and hosting large family gatherings was something she thoroughly enjoyed doing. In addition, Denise loved maintaining and sitting by her large flower garden and pond, always enjoying the outdoors. Denise is survived by her husband, Ron Morton of Coal Valley, IL; her four children, Zack Morton of Davenport, IA, Drew (Shivhan) Morton of Iowa City, IA, Caitlin (Billy) Tesch of Oswego, IL, and Monica Morton of Coal Valley, IL; her mother Gloria Henry of Indianola, IA; her sister Marsha Deane of Oviedo, FL; and her brother Martin Henry of Lakewood, CO. She was preceded in death by her father, Harvey and brother, Darrell. A celebration of Denise's life will be held on November 20, 2016 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the University Club in downtown Moline, IL. All are welcome to join and share memories of Denise with family and friends. To share a memory, thought or condolence please go to the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.