On November 12, 2024, Lael Marie Theresa Grace Hague Morss passed out of this world.

Lael was born on October 26, 1949, in Santa Clara County to Ira and Viola Hague. At age 18 she met the love of her life and husband-to-be, Steven Morss. Lael and Steve were married on January 1, 1972. Lael attended Humboldt State University and earned degrees in Elementary Education and Dance. She was a teacher at St. Bernard’s, a substitute teacher and tireless volunteer at Agnes Johnson Elementary School, and an early childhood educator at Rainbow Junction Children’s Center. She also served on the site council of South Fortuna Elementary (now Walker Elementary). Lael was a nurturer and a tutor for children’s minds and souls. She was passionate about education, and devoted herself to bettering the lives of countless young people.

Throughout her life Lael was extremely active in the community. She was the co-owner of the J.E. Johnson Store in Weott and a frequent volunteer poll worker. Lael was a creative performing artist — a dancer, singer, puppeteer and poet. She was the founder, director and teacher of “We-ott to Dance”, a dance school in Weott that brought dance education to hundreds of rural children who would otherwise have had no access to such experiences. In addition, she ran the Agnes Johnson Elementary Talent Show for many years, providing rural students with yet another performance opportunity. For many years Lael served as a costume designer and builder with Humboldt Light Opera Company, and built many elaborate and beautiful pieces. Above all, Lael was a source of love and joy for all who knew her. She approached everyone with open arms, always saw the best in people and encouraged others to follow their dreams. Lael believed that anything was possible.

Lael was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her boundless love and unwavering devotion uplifted her family. Although Lael was faced with the challenges of many health problems throughout her life, those challenges in no way inhibited her boundless joy, inexhaustible optimism and strength of spirit. Her strength and determination were apparent until the very end of her life in this world.

Lael was the wife of Steven Morss; mother of Jake Morss (and wife Gigi) and Katri Pitts (and husband Larry); grandmother to Shayla, Katelynn, Jacob, Isaac, Rory and Trillium; and great-grandmother to Kingston and Addilynn. She will be greatly missed, and held in our hearts.