Obituaries

Dr. Ronald Dean Morse, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, professor, and man of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, in Florence, Kentucky, at the age of 87. He was born on January 19, 1939, in Hyde Park, Utah, to Brigham Morse and Susannah (Stuart) Morse.

Ron was lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith was at the very center of his life, and he dedicated countless hours to serving the Church and helping others. He served in many capacities, including as Bishop of the Blacksburg Ward, and treasured the time he spent serving a mission in Brazil as a young man. Through his many years of service, Ron touched the lives of countless people and found great joy in helping others whenever and wherever he could.

It was through the Church that Ron met the love of his life, Peggy. The two shared 27 wonderful years together, working hand in hand in their faith and service to the Church. Their shared devotion brought them closer together and created a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and service. Ron loved Peggy deeply, and his family was one of the greatest sources of joy in his life.

Ron was known for being one of the kindest men anyone could meet. He had a gentle heart and a genuine love for people. His strong faith guided the way he lived his life, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or simply be there for someone in need.

Ron also had a long and fulfilling career as a professor at Virginia Tech in the Department of Horticulture for 40 years. His research on conservation tillage practices, mentorship of graduate students, and community outreach leaves an enduring legacy in the field of sustainable agriculture.

For Ron, working with the land was more than a profession; it was a way of life. He was most at home in his work boots, whether working alongside farmers in the field, conducting research at Kentland Farm, or tending his home garden. He delighted in sharing his harvest with others, and many friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members looked forward to his tomatoes, potatoes, and pumpkins each year.

Ron’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He treasured his wife, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved them all dearly. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, service, love, and devotion that will continue through the many lives he touched.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Brigham and Susannah Morse, and his brother, Gary Morse.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Morse; his children, Taressa Van Tuyl, Rick (Deborah) Morse, and Jared (April) Morse; his stepchildren, Andy (Holly) Lester, Candace (Dan) White, Randall Lester, Amanda Tellier, and Brandon Lester; his brothers, Clyde (Linda) Morse and Wendell (Linda) Morse; 19 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members, friends, and members of his church community.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hebron, Kentucky, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Following the service, Ron will be peacefully laid to rest at Burlington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.