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Obituary

Barbara E. Morton

October 8, 1951 - August 16, 2023

Barbara E. Morton, 71, of Lincoln passed away August 16, 2023. Born October 8, 1951, in Grant, NE to Kenneth and Lois (Olmstead) Lant.

She grew up in North Platte, NE and graduated from North Platte High School.

Barb received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing in Omaha (1973) where she was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honorary. She received her Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Certification from University of North Dakota College of Medicine where she served as class president. She and a colleague in the same program became the first two certified nurse practitioners in the state of Nebraska.

Barb served in many positions over the years, most recently with the Women’s Clinic of Lincoln (2002-2017), and previously as co-founder and director of The Lincoln Cancer Center (1984-2002). In both positions her passion and primary focus was on providing counseling and support services to cancer patients and their families and others with mental health concerns. She also served as faculty member and nursing coordinator for the Lincoln Family Practice Residency Program until 1984, clinical Instructor for UNL College of Nursing (1983), Staff Development Instructor for Bryan Memorial Hospital (1974-1977), and Staff Nurse at Bryan Memorial Hospital (1973-1974).
Barb was a member of Oncology Nurses Society (Charter Member), American Nurses Association, Nebraska Nurses Association – Region 3, Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing Honor Society), and a Nebraska nurse practitioner legislative task force addressing implementation of nurse practitioner statutes in Nebraska.

Barb was a frequent community speaker for area workshops, seminars, university and community college classes.

Barb loved antiques and was a part time antique dealer with booths in antique malls in and around Lincoln. She spent many weekends at garage sales and auctions looking for antique treasures for her booths and personal collection. She especially loved collecting yelloware pottery and large hand carved wooden bowls. She also loved being on the water and spent many summer vacations at Lake Okoboji in Iowa.
Family members include her husband, Glenn; daughter Megan Morton, Chicago, IL; brothers Douglas (Carol) Lant, Overland Park, KS and Donald (Gaylene) Lant, Columbus.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held Saturday, October 21st from 2:00pm – 5:00pm, in the Cornhusker Room at Venue Restaurant and Lounge (4111 Pioneer Woods Drive, Lincoln, NE)

Memorials to Friendship Home of Lincoln.

Service

October21

Celebration of Life

CST

Cornhusker Room at Venue Restaurant and Lounge

4111 Pioneer Woods Drive, Lincoln, NE

Share a Memory or Condolence

October 18, 2023

I just learned of Barbs passing, and was shocked as it has been many years since I have seen her. I worked with Barb at Bryan Hospital on 6th floor, I was her Head Nurse(what we were called then). Barb was just beginning her nursing life, and was a joy to have her working with us. I new she went on working with Cancer patients and in education. I have many good memories, and am sad at her death. My condolences to her family.

– Carmen Sandell
September 9, 2023

I met Barb when I was 16 (I’m 39 now!) and my mother had been diagnosed with cancer. She counseled both of us through my mom’s illness, and then me after my mom passed. Barb helped a devastated 17 year old be okay and I will never forget her. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Barb.

– Becky Keller
September 6, 2023

My deepest condolences on the passing of your sweet family member Barb. I had the pleasure of working with Barb from 1980 – 1987 as we worked on nurse practitioner legislation together. I haven’t worked with her since the 1990s but her impact on me was great. Barb embodied all the wonderful, caring and compassionate qualities of a nurse. Her expert knowledge and teaching of others was stellar. Our profession has lost a giant in caring for so many patients with cancer and mental illness. She will be deeply missed.

– Sincerely, Deborah Marks Conley, MSN, APRN-CNS, GCNS-BC, FNGNA Omaha NE
September 4, 2023

Glenn and Megan, I am so sorry to learn of Barb’s passing. It was always a pleasure to run into her when I was at the doctor’s office, especially after you retired, Glenn. She would fill me in on your retirement adventures and how Megan was doing, and I’d share updates with her about Emily. I appreciated her smile and kindness.

– Christy Neighbors
September 3, 2023

Barb’s energy, kindness, and dedication were legendary. Few people have made such an impact on cancer at the individual level, the community, and society-wide. Being with her always inspired me. Condolences to Glenn and Megan. She was so proud of you both.

– Kathy Ward
September 1, 2023

Barb was a lovely loving soul who cared deeply for the well being of her patients. She was a trail blazer for Lincoln’s cancer care and all of Lincoln’s patients continue to benefit from her efforts. I recall well the lunch she and I had when she had returned from APRN school and she outlined the plans for Lincoln’s first at home hospice. So many years ago

– MARK HUTCHINS M.D.
August 29, 2023

Very addened to learn of Barb’s passing. She contributed so much to cancer care in Lincoln through her work at the Lincoln Cancer Center, helping to establish early in-home hospice care, counseling and patient advocacy. In addition to all that, she worked with Lincoln oncologists and surgeons to establish affiliations with national and regional clinical trials groups enabling cancer patients access locally rather than having to travel to major medical centers for that access. Although she is no longer with us, her contributions will remain important for decades to come.

– John H. Casey MD
August 28, 2023

Very surprised and saddened. I remember all the wonderful work she did with the Lincoln Cancer Center. Later she was so very good providing counselling and support to our patients with cancer. This remains an area of critical need. She did a tremendous amount of good in her life. My sincere condolences to her family.

– Cary Peterson, M.D.

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