Amy Sue Eitemiller-Morrison passed away in her Sioux Falls, SD home at age 51 after a 10-year battle with cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend who brightened every room she entered and brought joy, life, creativity, tenacity, and encouragement to all who knew her. She had a singular sense of fashion, often accentuated by her signature polka dots and an individuality that was infectious. Her authenticity in being herself was an inspiration to others to be exactly who God made them to be and to not settle for anything else.

Amy was born November 23, 1971, in Brookings, SD, and lived her early years in Wagner and Lake Andes before her family moved to Sheldon, IA. It was there she met and married her high school sweetheart Matt Morrison. They were married on August 15, 1992, while attending The University of South Dakota where Amy graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance in 1994. They continued their graduate work at The University of Northern Colorado where Amy graduated with a Master of Music degree in choral conducting.

Ministry was an important part of Amy's life as she and Matt pursued a ministry calling that took them to Marion, IN in 1997 where both served on staff at Hanfield UMC. Amy continued to serve as a worship musician in a variety of roles collaborating, coaching and mentoring other worship musicians for the rest of her life. Her love for Jesus was only matched by her compassion for others. She saw her entire life as an act of worship and an opportunity to love both God and the people around her. Her gracious spirit made people feel seen, loved, and valued, no matter their story or the wounds they carried.

A part of Amy's ministry was carried out as she helped other singers find their voices. Amy taught at the university level serving on the music faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University (1997-2005) and the University of Sioux Falls (2006-2023). In addition, Amy taught private lessons through her home studios in Marion, Sioux Falls, and Mitchell (2015-2017). Her love of teaching voice led her to explore expanding her reach to serve more students by creating a multi-teacher voice studio. In June 2023, Amy became the founder and owner of the Effervescent Voice Academy where she held the role of "bubbly beasty boss" as she helped create a space for more vibrant, effervescent voices through the studio's clients.

Amy could also be found contributing to arts education through the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA), Fairytale Operas, and the USF Theatre Department.

Amy was also a consummate performer in her own right and a willing collaborator both on stage and behind the scenes. She performed shows with several local theatre companies, served as music director and band leader for shows, and performed with Matt as "Two White Squares." Favorite roles included the title role in "Mary Poppins," Lily in "The Secret Garden," Joanne in "Company," and Truvy in "Steel Magnolias. Her Steel Magnolias cast was especially important to her as they created a lasting bond and an endless Messenger thread.

Amy's influence cannot be overstated. She lived and loved fiercely, touching countless lives as she poured into students both vocally and personally and gave so freely of herself as a performer and as a friend. Amy's legacy will forever be the lives she touched as she helped others grow in their skills, their character, and their understanding of what it means to live life on their own terms. She was a source of inspiration and encouragement for others on their cancer journeys, but she never allowed cancer to define who she was. She lived life on her own terms and lived it fully until the very end.

Amy is survived by her husband Matt Morrison of Sioux Falls, children Xander (Vinny) Morrison and Maia Morrison of Sioux Falls, her father David (Marie) Eitemiller of Mitchell, her mother Marilyn (James) Lofflin of Sioux Falls, her brother Casey (Heidi) Eitemiller of Mitchell, and her step-brothers and step-sisters in South Dakota, Iowa, Florida, and Arizona.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Central Church in Sioux Falls on Friday, August 11th at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Kip Roozen officiating and a reception time to follow at the church. Amy's Celebration of Life will be livestreamed by Central Church. To watch the livestream, please click on the following link: Amy's Celebration of Life Livestream Link .

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Asbury UMC in Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Asbury UMC to honor Amy's legacy in ministry or to the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts to honor her legacy of teaching and theatre.