Funeral services have been scheduled for native Nevadan Vivienne Morris Ross, who died peacefully after a long illness at the age of 82.Born Sept. 6, 1933 in Paradise Valley in Northern Nevada, Morris Ross was in the first graduating class of Bishop Manogue High School in 1951 before graduating from the University of Nevada-Reno and attending American Law School in Washington, D.C.Always a high-achiever, Morris Ross was named Miss Cherry Blossom Queen and Miss Nevada 1955, and she was a seven year Nevada Board of Education member after being named by Governor Robert List. She was also an active founding member of the Service League which later became the Junior League of Las Vegas.A part-time teacher, she married prominent Las Vegan William “Wildcat” Morris in 1955. The couple combined to present numerous fund raising events, many of which were held in the couple’s backyard near Our Lady of Las Vegas until his death in 1998.The Morris backyard celebrations paid tribute to special groups such as the University Medical Center fund raiser; Las Vegas High School’s annual old-timers reunions along with annual salutes to Las Vegas High School Dream of 1944 football squad.Among the couple’s many beneficiaries were the Morris Sunset East High School, Allied Arts Council along with Las Vegas High School’s reunion parties, and the William & Vivienne Morris Teaching Excellence endowment for both UNLV and UNR.The couple combined to become some of the best followers of UNR and UNLV athletic events, possibly attending more games than any other fans. They accompanied the UNLV football team to Japan in 1977 and also followed the UNLV basketball team to China in 1978.An avid fan of the card game, Bridge, she established countless friends over a timespan of about 50 years. Her lifelong friends affectionately referred to her as “V Pott” referencing her maiden name Potter.Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Morris married John Tom Ross in 2003.Survivors include her husband, noted statewide Nevada attorney John Tom Ross; daughters Dawn Dudas (Tom), Jaymie Morris; Wesley Kennedy (Timothy) and son Billy; along with 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.A Vivienne Remembrance Week is scheduled this weekend. The viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. Friday at Palm Mortuary with a Rosary beginning at 6 p.m., also at Palm Mortuary at 1325 Main Street.A mass and funeral will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Las Vegas at 3050 Alta Dr. The burial will follow at Palm Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and University of Nevada-Reno and/or Opportunity Village.
