In loving memory of

Melissa Norton
March 15, 2011

Melissa Kim Norton and her twin sister, Christina were born December 16, 1987 in Knoxville, Iowa to Mike and Leanne Sisul Norton. She graduated from Chariton High School in 2006 and attended Indian Hills Community College in Centerville for 2 years receiving an Associate of Arts Degree. She worked at the Hy-Vee Distribution Center as an order selector, trainer, and receiver. Melissa was a hard worker and was well liked by all her co-workers.

Melissa met her fiancé, Russ, at the Leon Rodeo in 2006 and they started dating a few weeks later. They loved being together and enjoyed boating and spending time with their dog Buddy.

Melissa loved life and people. She believed in treating others like you would want to be treated. She would do anything for anyone and loved to help people. Melissa was the first to come and the last to go whenever her family and friends got together. She enjoyed puddle jumping, boating, and spending time with family and friends.

Melissa Norton, 23, passed away at her home on March 15, 2011 after a weeklong struggle with the flu. Melissa is survived by her parents, Mike & Leanne Norton; twin sister: Christina (Troy) Umbenhower; fiancé, Russ Lantz all of Chariton; grandparents: Jack & Helen Marvin of Centerville; aunts & uncles; Mary Sisul, Mike (Dorothy) Sisul, Paula Constable; cousins: Steve Sisul, Jeff Sisul, David and Denise Constable; and future in-laws, Roger & Brenda Lantz. Her grandfather, Joe Sisul, preceded her in death.

Tributes

Dr L Rasmussen wrote on Mar 20, 2011:

"Sorry to here about your loss. I enjoyed the whole family what little time I was with you. God will keep her happy."

Dr L Rasmussen wrote on Mar 20, 2011:

"Sorry to here about your loss. I enjoyed the whole family what little time I was with you. God will keep her happy."

Pam, Mark, Sara & Matt Richardson wrote on Mar 18, 2011:

"To the Norton & Lantz families: We are so very sorry for your loss of Melissa. She was such a giving person who was always willing to help out with whatever project was going on. Please know that you all are in our prayers. God bless & keep you all, now & always. "

Darla Rash wrote on Mar 18, 2011:

"Thinking and praying for all who have been touched by this amazing young lady. I hope your memories and special moments give you comfort and some joy during this time. Sending you my love"

Deb (Willis) Conner wrote on Mar 18, 2011:

"Mike, Leanne, Christina and all who love Melissa: I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts. Deb (Willis) Conner"

Jessica Ericson wrote on Mar 18, 2011:

"Norton & Lantz families, You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong, I am so sorry for you loss. You will now have a beautiful angel watching over you! "

Mike & Lisa Reece wrote on Mar 18, 2011:

"Please know how much we thought of Melissa. She was a sweet girl and willl be missed by all. Mike Reece, Hyvee Warehouse"

Marla Culbertson Gentry wrote on Mar 18, 2011:

"With deep sympathey to Melissa's family. May the many kind thoughts and prayers bring you comfort. I used to work with Mike and Leanne. About 4 months after I was hire by Hy-Vee, I was asked to check on Leanne as she was close to her due date of the beautiful twin girls. Bless you all!"

Marla Culbertson Gentry wrote on Mar 18, 2011:

"With deep sympathey to Melissa's whole family. May the many kind thoughts, prayers and wonderful memories bring you comfort. I used to work with Mike and Leanne. About 4 months after I was hired by Hy-Vee, I was asked to check on Leanne as she was close to her due date of the beautiful twin girls. Their birth brought so much excitement to the office. Bless you all."

Marcus and Laura McFall wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"Christina and family, Our deepest condolences in this unthinkable loss! God bless you and your family as you search for peace and understanding. Marcus, Laura, and Connor McFall"

Ron & Dorinda Harper wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"To the Norton and Lantz families, you have our most sincere condolences. We pray that God reaches out and comforts all who are hurting at the loss of Melissa. With deepest sympathy, God Bless you all."

Ron & Dorinda Harper wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"To the Norton and Lantz families, you have our most sincere condolences. We pray that God reaches out and comforts all who are hurting at the loss of Melissa. With deepest sympathy, God Bless you all."

DaLene Rash Kahler wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"Mike, Leanne, Christina, Troy and Russ. I am sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers. My God be with you in this time of need."

lu ann alexander wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"my thoughts & prayers to you & your family, just isnt right to loss a child,words can not heal your sorrow,just know that you have alot of family & friends to lean on in this time of your empty hearts. an OLD Deflect-A-Sheild employee... melcher-dallas..."

Connie & Rick McKinley wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"Mike, Leanne, Christina, Troy and Russ, No words can express how sorry we are for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God help you through this very difficult time. Our deepest sympathy and love. Rick and Connie"

Dennis & Bev Sisul Laurson wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers, and may your loving memories give you peace. God Bless You! "

Ursula Bingham wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"My heart is heavy for your family and I relate to your pain (almost 8 months ago I lost my 20-year-old granddaughter). I remember the girls as I think first graders in the Fast Track reading program one summer held at the Methodist Church. I worked with that class, my grandson Garrett Poli was also in the group. May God give you comfort, courage and strength in the days ahead."

Chris Harms - Schuster Company - Le Mars IA wrote on Mar 17, 2011:

"Leanne and family - with deepest sympathy....you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories give you strength for the days ahead."

Sally Jo Loomis wrote on Mar 16, 2011:

"I can not imagine what you are all going thru , but know my heart and prayers are with you all . May the wonderfull memories of Melissa help you in the coming days .God Bless You . "

Kathy Kruse and Brian Rush wrote on Mar 16, 2011:

"Russ and family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Please let us know if we can do anything. We will miss Melissa. We treasure the memories we have of our time all spent together between boating trips, going out to eat together, and hanging out. She will be missed. "

Becki Neer wrote on Mar 16, 2011:

"You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! "

Margaret Coons wrote on Mar 16, 2011:

"My prayers are with you. "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." ~Author Unknown "

Deborah & Steve Tjelmeland wrote on Mar 16, 2011:

"Our hearts go out to you all! You are in our prayers and we are extremely sorry for your loss in so many ways!"

Jerry & Marlene Edwards wrote on Mar 16, 2011:

"We are so sorry for your loss. No words can be said for how difficult it must be. I remember when your girls were born. You are in out thoughts and prayers. "

cathy and wayne wrote on Mar 15, 2011:

"Russ and Melissa's family, We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers! We are so very sorry for your loss, Melissa was a very special person and will be greatly missed. "