Claudia Nell (Lashbrook) Morgan, 89 of Olney, Illinois, passed away on October 16, 2023 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney. Claudia was born June 13, 1934, in Olney, the daughter of Claude and Mildred (King) Lashbrook. She married Donald Morgan on November 23, 1956 at the Elm Street Christian Church in Olney.

Claudia lived her entire life in Olney. She acquired her teaching degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, and then taught elementary school at Central and Silver Street schools. She retired from teaching after 33 years in 1989. Claudia and her family enjoyed motorcycle riding as often as they could. She learned to ride at Willis and Hazel Morgan’s racetrack behind their Harley Davidson motorcycle shop on Route 130. Together, with her family, she rode motorcycles in Shawnee, Kentucky and many other out of the way places. She and Don spent many pleasurable times at their camper at Kentucky Lake. Claudia was a charter member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ and trustee, working at chowders, baking pumpkin pies, teaching Sunday School classes and playing the piano and organ for many years. She was also a member of the IEA/NEA and Richland County Retired Teachers Association.

Claudia’s unwavering affection for animals knew no bounds. Throughout most of their lives, she and Don had a family dog, in addition to sharing a love for all the animals that Belinda cared for, including iguanas, raccoons, and squirrels. There was not a day that Claudia did not feed and water her backyard wildlife. There is no doubt they will greatly miss her also. She always found great satisfaction in babysitting for her grand dogs. Claudia loved taking pictures of her grandsons, great grandkids, and animals as they were her pride and joy.

Claudia is survived by her daughter Belinda (Tom) Henton of Olney; grandsons Kyle (Candi) Henton of Dundas, Morgan (Jenna) Henton of Olney of Olney and Jason Henton of Decatur; great grandsons Carter, Cooper and Gage Henton; great granddaughters Raylee and Makenzie Henton; brother-in-law John (Arlene) Morgan and several nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three sisters-in-law Alberta Poe, Charlotte Simmons and Norma Grove and great granddaughter Alexis Henton.

Claudia will be greatly missed by family and the many friends she has made along life’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carle Health Center for Philanthropy (indicate “Carle Hospice – Olney” on memo line), First Christian Church, Humane Society of Olney or Shelter Friends.

A memorial service will be held Monday, October 23, 2023 at 1:30 PM at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Olney with a visitation preceding the service at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Haven Hill Cemetery. Kistler Patterson Funeral Home in Olney is in charge of arrangements. Pastor Todd Bettis will Officiate.Cremation Rites will be accorded.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL