Mary Lou Morgan, 89, passed away April 23, 2026. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, May 4 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Family will greet guests one hour prior.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

Mary Lou was born March 8, 1937 to the late Lee and Mabel (Melby) Axtell. She spent her childhood growing up alongside her parents and sister, Erma Lee in Portal, ND and spent summers at their family cottage at Kenosee Lake in Canada. She graduated from Portal High School and continued her education at University of Houston and University of North Dakota.

On June 9, 1957 she married Gary Morgan and together they raised their five children. They made their home in Portal for many years, where Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who took great pride in caring for her family. Following Gary’s retirement, they moved to Garrison to enjoy their years on Lake Sakakawea, where they hosted many memorable family gatherings and celebrations. They also spent several winters traveling to warmer southern states. In 2016, Gary and Mary Lou moved to Bismarck where they spent their remaining years close to family.

Mary Lou was an active member of Eastern Star, the Presbyterian Church, church choir, and Homemakers Club. Above all, she found her greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. She was especially known for her homemade donuts and marble fudge. A proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, she was a constant and enthusiastic supporter of her grandchildren, attending countless football and basketball games, volleyball matches, track meets, dance and music programs, and piano recitals.

Mary Lou is survived by her children: Pamela Christianson and her children, Lee (Heather) Christianson, Trisha (Jon) Reis, Morgan Hauck; Mark (Sheila) Morgan and their children, Ashley (Kyle) Nichols, Brittany (Cody) Uran; Stacy (Chad) Willer and their children, Cory (Emma) Ploof, Christopher (Lainey) Wilson, and Caden Willer, Laurel (Josh) Wenger and their daughter, Harper Wenger, and granddaughter Heather (Art) Flores, as well as great-grandchildren: Jayden, Cooper, Keira, Kenzie, Aria, Brynna, Brody, Addyson, Lakyn, Emmitt, Aidan, Kalyanna, Nora, Landon, Sutton, and great-great-grandchildren: Kekoa and Renae.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Morgan; her parents, Lee and Mabel Axtell; her sister, Erma Lee (Robert) Trimble; her son, Rob Morgan; and her grandson, Camden Willer.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her faith and her love of family. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in her heavenly home, reunited with loved ones.