Donna Sue Lauck Morse, 62, of Excelsior Springs, died Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at North Kansas City Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Sue was born August 28, 1956, in Excelsior Springs, the daughter of Donald Pennington and Lillian Mae (Pyles) Lauck.

Survivors include: one daughter, Patricia "Tricia" Lauck, and her significant other, Tim Hamby, of Pleasant Valley; one brother, Bob Lauck, and his wife, JoEllen, of Richmond; three sisters, Cheryl McIntosh, and her husband, Don, of Richmond, Hosey Lauck of Orrick, and Kristi Pugh, and her husband, Wade, of Excelsior Springs; one grandson, Zachariah Lauck-Hamby; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Patricia "Bee" Lauck; and one grandson, Luke Hamby.

Sue was a 1974 graduate of Richmond High School. She attended Martinez School of Cosmetology in Excelsior Springs, where she earned the top score on state board exams.  This accomplishment afforded her the opportunity to become a product representative for Redken Laboratories. After traveling for a couple of years for Redken, Sue became a well-regarded hairdresser in Richmond, working at Gallery 208 and JPs Total Image, then later owning her own shop, A Lauck of Hair.

Sue had a passion for helping children in need. She was a 20-year board member of Ray County Child Abuse Council. She also was a dogged advocate for abused and neglected Ray County children, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Sue was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Business and Professional Women organization.

During the flood of 1993, Sue traveled by boat to cross the Missouri River to give birth to her only child, Tricia, on Aug. 19, 1993, at Lafayette County Regional Medical Center in Lexington. Sue loved being a mother and enjoyed coaching her daughter's softball teams. She especially loved being a grandmother, doting on her grandson, Zach.

Sue was fun-loving, outgoing and the life of the party.

A celebration of life service and visitation will take place Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation starting at 1 p.m., followed by services at 2 p.m. Additional food and fellowship will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 21, 2018, at the United Christian Presbyterian Church, 501 N. Spartan Dr., Richmond, where everyone is invited to join the family.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Sue Lauck Memorial Fund.  Memorials may be dropped off at Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main St., Richmond, or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Please share your memories with the family of Sue by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .