County of memorial: Callaway County
Location of memorial: 106 S. Main St., Mottaz Park, Auxvasse
Plaque text:
Flagpole dedicated in loving memory to
RUTH NORRIS
1922 - 2008
Auxvasse Community Friend
Security Bank Employee
"She always had a hug for everyone"
Ruth's Obit:
"Ruth Marie Yancey Norris, 85, of Auxvasse passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at the home of her daughter in Columbia.
"Services will be noon Saturday, March 1, at Auxvasse Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Private burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.
"Ruth was born June 23, 1922, to Claude L. and Pearl Shaver Yancey near Greenlawn in Ralls County.
"She attended Greenlawn Elementary School and graduated from Perry High School in 1940.
"Ruth became the bride of her childhood sweetheart, Homer L. Norris, on Aug. 3, 1941. They were married in Hannibal by the Rev. Johnny Golden. To this union were born two children, Marsha Lee and Howard Russel Norris. Ruth and Homer were devoted to their children and two grandsons, Robert Lee and Kevin James Norris. Nothing was more important to Ruth than her family.
"Soon after they were married, Homer joined the Navy to serve 33 months in World War II. Ruth traveled with Homer to several naval bases and worked in Hannibal while he was overseas in the Pacific Campaign.
"After Victory Day, Homer and Ruth set up farming near Laddonia and later on the Lewton Ranch near Benton City, where their two children were born. In 1956, they established the Norris Farm east of Auxvasse. Ruth work hand in hand with Homer in all aspects of farm life. They were quite a team.
"Ruth started her banking career at Security Bank in 1961. Her title was "assistant cashier," but for 39 years, Ruth was in the business of serving bank customers who became her personal friends. In 1994 she was a finalist for the Missouri Older Worker of the Year Award.
"Ruth was so proud to be part of the Auxvasse community. In 1998, the North Callaway Senior Citizen Center recognized her contributions to the community, which included working with Jim Graham and his FFA students to start the annual Senior Citizen Prom, now in its 12th year. In 1999, KRCG-TV recognized her as one of their "People You Should Know."
"Ruth was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Eastern Star, Daughters of Union Veterans and Grand Cross of Color. She was a member of Auxvasse Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday school classes to many children who now have grown families of their own. She was a 4-H leader and active in the Auxvasse PTA but always tried to give someone else the credit for her many contributions.
"In retirement, Ruth and Homer loved to have family and friends over for dinner, especially when they stayed to play cards. Yearly they took their fifth-wheel camper to the Old Timer's Thrashers convention in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. In later years, Ruth became the chauffeur for many of her girlfriends, and they would often get together to play bingo or cards.
"Ruth was a devoted wife. When Homer became terminally ill, she never left his side. After 63 years of marriage, Ruth lost her lifelong companion in 2005, but not a day went by that she did not think of Homer and their life together.
"As a loving mother, Ruth worked two jobs so that both of her children could graduate from the University of Missouri. Thanks to many wonderful friends and neighbors, Ruth was able to live on the family farm until two months before her death.
"There never was a better daughter, wife, mother, grandma, neighbor and friend. Ruth made all our lives better, and that is how a beautiful life should be lived.
"She is survived by daughter and son-in-law Marsha and Ron Knudsen of Columbia; son and daughter-in-law Howard and Kathy Norris of Kansas City; two grandsons, Rob and Kevin Norris of Kansas City; two stepgrandchildren, Kelli Knudsen Schnell and Kent Knudsen of Columbia; and one stepbrother, Edgar Lee Barnett of Charleston, S.C.
"Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Claude Yancey and Pearl Shaver Yancey Barnett; her husband, Homer; and his parents, Harry and Cornelia Norris." ~ Columbia Tribune