Ella Louise Morris

Nov. 5, 1885 - Feb. 19, 1969 (aged 83)

Ella Louise Keen Morris will forever be known as the lady who saved the Palace Theatre from destruction. In 1959, after purchasing the rundown theatre, she sold it to the city for one dollar. After a $18,000 renovation, it reopened as the Morris Civic Auditorium.

She met and married Ernest M. Morris, the future founder of Associates and First Source Bank; together, they became leading citizens and philanthropists for the city. Ella also formed the committee that produced the South Bend Symphony. Renowned pianist Van Cliburn played the grand piano at her home for parties. In 1936, during a visit to the area, Amelia Earhart dined at Ella's table.

Ella had two daughters, Mary Lou Morris Leighton, who died in 2001, and Ernestine Morris Raclin, who died in 2023.

12/27/2025 DEC

Ella Louise Morris

Published in the South Bend Tribune on Thursday, February 20, 1969.

Source:  Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com

12/27/2025 DEC

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/140592598/ella-louise-morris