Lillian Morgan Trust

The Lillian G. Morgan Memorial Scholarshipp was established by the Lillian Morgan Trust in honor of Lillian Morgan. After marrying Ralph (also from Butler County) in 1950, the couple lived in Sedgwick County for 35 years and raised five children. The couple then moved to the Butler County farm where Lillian grew up. In the early 1970s, Ralph and Lillian planted a few Christmas trees on the family farm. The Noel Christmas Tree farm opened its doors to the first customers in 1976. They viewed their family business as a way to participate in the community while teaching important life skills to their children and other employees. Lillian was always actively involved in her community. She faithfully attended Derby First Christian Church, and belonged to EHU, various Bible Studies, ladies clubs, and square dance clubs, and was an election judge everywhere she lived. She taught Sunday school, was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, Room Mother (several times over), and Christian Woman mentor. She actively looked for ways to connect with others and have fun. She easily made friends wherever she went, with a laugh and a hug ready to greet her friends. She was an incredible worker, with a passionate zest for life, and she lived the meaning of friendship. Travel, gardening, cooking, and murder mysteries were her hobbies, while her husband, children and grandchildren were the center of her life. She was curious and interested in everything around her. She began college at age 16 by attending what is now Butler Community College. Although she never obtained a degree, she valued education and encouraged her children toward higher education. All five of her children attended college; three obtained advanced degrees. Her husband Ralph, four of her five children and five of her eight grandchildren attended Butler.