Karalee Morris brings scraps of fabric, spools of thread and pieces of yarn to life by sewing special celebration quilts or lap quilts to give hope to those in need.
Her focus to provide a personal touch of warmth and love with a one-of-a-kind quilt has been the inspiration of the growing “Quilt Mission” at Saving Grace Lutheran Church on Ellsworth Road in Queen Creek.
Starting in 2012 with five members, the “Quilt Mission” had meetings only in the winter months due to losing two members in the summer. But in the last year, participation membership has tripled to 15 members, and can now meet throughout the year.
The many hands with big hearts approach has increased the “Quilt Mission’s” ability to supply quilts to church members struggling with health concerns, and families blessed with a birth or an adoption of a child, as well as new baptisms.
Outside of the church during the past year the “Mission” has charitably provided:
35 quilts to the East Valley Veteran’s Association • 5 patriotic quilts for the Phoenix VA Hospital
60 quilts mailed to Kentucky tornado victims • 56 quilts to Family Hospice
2 evaluation quilts to Queen Creek Police and Fire • 3 quilts to Arizona Hospice
38 bed-sized quilts to Sunshine Acres • 10 quilts to Apache Junction Adult Care Home
20 quilts will be given to Saving Grace Lutheran • Church preschool opening in January 2023
Morris and her husband of 44 years, Pastor Bob Morris, not only are blessing the community with quilts but they also are also active with the Campus Mission Coalition at Arizona State University (student outreach program), Phoenix Rescue Mission (homeless and underserved foodbank) and leading a weekly Bible study.
Karalee Morris is truly a Hometown Hero sharing her inspiring talents to increase the skills of others, organizing the “Mission” by building relationships with local care givers and reaching outside Arizona in times of emergencies.
Name: Karalee Morris
Town/neighborhood: Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 24414 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek
When and why I moved here: In 2015. We liked area after frequently visiting our son who moved here in 2007.
What I like most about living here: No winter-- don’t have to shovel sunshine!
What I do: Quilt, read, all types of hand needlework
Personal background highlights: Lived in Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania) prior to 2015.
Professional background highlights: Registered nurse for 40 years.
What I like most about what I do: The creative process.
What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? Sharing the love of God.
What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference in Queen Creek? It’s important to share and help others wherever we are.
My family: Spouse, two adult children and spouses, and four grandchildren
My interests and hobbies: Reading, quilting, counted thread embroidery, wool applique, knitting.
The trait(s) I admire in others: Kindness, compassion, honesty.
My guiding philosophy: Try to share the love of Jesus.
My advice to today’s youth: Don’t be afraid of hard work and enjoy simple pleasures.
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley @AzNewsmedia
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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