In Loving Memory of Jenny Lynne Morton

May 4, 1945 – February 27, 2026

Jenny Lynne Morton, 80, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Born on May 4, 1945, in Grants Pass, Oregon, Jenny was the daughter of Gayle Bovee and Jessie Van De Veer Watson. She graduated from Amphitheater High School in Tucson, Arizona, on June 7, 1963 — a milestone she achieved while already embracing married life and working as a young wife.

Jenny first met the love of her life, Paul L. Morton, on a blind date in Albuquerque. After two years of courtship, they were married on June 9, 1962, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned 63 devoted years. The couple began their life together in Tucson, where Paul started his career with AT&T. During that time, Jenny worked as a waitress while completing her final year of high school, demonstrating her strong work ethic and determination.

On March 31, 1964, Jenny joyfully welcomed her son, John Allen, into the world. Her family grew once more with the birth of her daughter, Cheryl Lynne, on December 4, 1965. In the early 1970s, the family moved to Concord, California, where Jenny balanced caring for her home with working at Kmart — her favorite and longest place of employment. She often shared fond memories of the famous “blue light” specials and the friendships she formed there.

As her children grew and built families of their own, Jenny discovered creative passions that reflected her loving spirit. She found great joy in scrapbooking and creating beautiful dried flower arrangements, many of which she lovingly gifted to family and friends. After years of watching Paul build his stamp collections, Jenny joined him in the hobby, developing thoughtful thematic collections featuring Smokey Bear, telephones — a playful nod to AT&T — and Israel. Collecting and exhibiting stamps became another cherished bond in their marriage. She was an active member of the Albuquerque Philatelic Society and the Rio Rancho Stamp Club.

Faith was central to Jenny’s life. A devoted member of Charity Baptist Church, she gave generously of her time and heart. She especially loved serving children through Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and participated faithfully in visitation ministry. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle encouragement left lasting impressions on her church family.

Jenny was preceded in death by her father, Gayle Bovee; her stepmother, Margarit Bovee; her mother, Jessie Watson; her stepfather, James L. Watson; her brothers, Michael Bovee and James N. Watson.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Morton of Rio Rancho, NM; her son, John Allen Morton of Antioch, CA; her daughter, Cheryl Lynne Hansen and husband Kris of Vacaville, CA; her older sister, Bessie Lee Wyatt of Raleigh, NC; and her younger sister, Teri Helton and husband Tim of Camarillo, CA. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Erika Hansen, Jake Hansen, Stephanie Morton, and Kevin Morton, who brought her immeasurable pride and joy.

Above all, Jenny will be remembered for her radiant joy. It shone through in her smile and echoed in her laughter — gifts that will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. As Paul so beautifully expressed, “Everyone loved her; she was the sweetest person who ever lived.”

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Charity Baptist Church, 5501 Obregon Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charity Baptist Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Jenny’s life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, creativity, and kindness — a legacy that will live on in every heart she touched.