Vicki Suzanne Morris passed away peacefully in the presence of family on July 25, 2026 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Vicki was born on July 19, 1943 to the late and infamous Warden “Rusty” Rustemeyer and the audacious Launa Hammett. So began a life defined by a spirit of love, family, generosity and compassion that would enrich and inspire all who were fortunate to know her.

Her accomplishments were many. She graduated from Union High School in Grand Rapids in 1962 with honors, where she met the great love of her life and husband of 63 years, Dale Morris. They eloped and were married in Reno, NV on September 28, 1962. After an adventurous year living in San Francisco, Vicki and Dale returned to Michigan with young Dale Jr. in tow in 1963. Vicki worked at the local GM Fisher Body plant to help earn money to attend college. She graduated in 1972, earning her bachelor’s degree in philosophy while raising two young boys. Matthew was born in 1966. Vicki was part of the first women’s graduating class, earning a master’s degree in philosophy from Notre Dame University in 1974. While at Notre Dame, she took Karate lessons with her roommate, Chacha, from Mexico City, earning a brown belt. She followed this up with a law degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing in 1977, declining a full ride scholarship to attend Notre Dame Law to be closer to her family. She went on to open a family law practice championing the rights of women and children in many divorce and custody cases. With a strong pull and talent toward civic duty, she ran and became the first woman elected to the Wyoming City Council in 1983.

In the 1980’s, Vicki and Dale left both their business careers behind for a new life as exotic animal (mostly llamas) ranchers in the mountains of Colorado. In Colorado they adopted and united four young children that were natural siblings. Vicki saw the need for a high level of education and home school for all four kids! In the 1990’s Vicki and the family returned to Michigan, moving to Big Rapids where she would open a family law clinic and spend the rest of her days.

After the tragic loss of the youngest of the 4 adopted siblings, Eric, at 18 years of age, Vicki and Dale adopted their daughter, Destiny, who has been the source of endless pride and joy in her later years. Vicki and Dale have been foster parents to countless children who still to this day call her Mom and whose kids call her Granny.

Vicki will also be remembered for her steadfast and passionate care of our animal friends. She was a lifelong vegetarian on moral grounds long before it was socially acceptable or convenient. Her home has always been open to any and all species in need to the inspiration and annoyance of those who loved her.

She leaves behind nine mostly rescued or adopted dogs and cats who are the last of a very long line of such friendships that she cherished greatly.

Vicki Morris lived a long and happy life in service to the principles of equal rights, justice, integrity, and above all, love. She is sorely missed by all who loved her and came to know her.

She is survived by her husband, Dale; her children: Dale Jr, Matthew (Regina), Robert, Jessica, Jacquie, and Destiny; siblings: John Rustemeyer, Margo Arnold, Thomas Sumner, and many grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her siblings: Rita Jo Perkins and Jennifer Hammett.

As a last act of kindness, Vicki was happy to donate her liver as an organ donor upon her passing to a grateful soul in need. Instead of gifts, donations in honor of Vicki may be sent to the Gift of Life Foundation or the Animal Rescue Coalition of Mecosta County.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes in Big Rapids at 4:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM. The reception will follow immediately after the service until 7:00 PM at Cranker’s Restaurant and Brewery in Big Rapids.