In loving memory of

Jane Norris 5/21/2020
September 2, 1934 - May 21, 2020

Jane N. Norris of Marshalltown passed away peacefully on May 21, 2020. She was 85. She had been a resident of Glenwood Place for 5 years. Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com

Mrs. Norris was born Sept. 2, 1934 to Clarence and Lela North in Des Moines where she was a graduate of North High School. In Des Moines she was Grand Worthy Advisor in Iowa for the Order of Rainbow for Girls and won a four-year tuition-free scholarship to Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa that was presented every four years to a Des Moines female high school graduate. Mrs. Norris was graduated from Grinnell in 1956.

Mrs. Norris married David U. Norris on Feb. 21, 1956 at Grinnell College before joining him at his military assignment in Japan upon her graduation in June.

When the couple returned to the United States in 1959, they lived in Boone, Iowa, one year and then moved to Decorah, Iowa. In Decorah, Mrs. Norris was on the first board of directors that organized and started the nationally recognized Nordic Fest Celebration in Decorah.

She was a news correspondent for the Des Moines Register, Waterloo Daily Courier, Cedar Rapids Gazette and Dubuque Telegraph-Herald. She also did volunteer work for the Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah and helped greet King Olaf on his historic visit to the community.

She moved to Marshalltown with her family in 1969 and became very active in the community. She served as the first outside woman member of the board of directors of a major bank in the city, serving for 27 years on the boards of Security Bank and later F&M Bank. She served on the Board of Visiting Nurses Assn., County Welfare organization and Mid-Iowa Workshops. She was a member of Marshalltown Assistance League where she once served as treasurer and chaired the annual Thrift Sale project,

Mrs. Norris was a member of Hawthorne and the BB chapter of PEO. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. As a licensed pilot along with her pilot husband, she flew for many years in the Upper Midwest. She also owned and managed many apartments in Marshalltown .

Mrs. Norris imported Norwegian yarn and developed needlepoint kits as a business and also sold her designs and yarn kits through Better Homes and Gardens national magazine. She taught Norwegian needlecraft at the Marshalltown Y for many years.

She chaired the committee that needlepointed the Marshall County courtroom chairs after the courthouse renovation project with many of the chairs having her own design.

Mrs. Norris is survived by her husband of 64 years, David of Marshalltown, IA; two adult children, Pamela (Norris) Phillips (Jim) of Alexandria, MN and David James (Chip) Norris (Jari) of Champlin, MN; two grandchildren, David Phillips (Kirsty) of Pasadena, MD and John Phillips (Kelly) of Pasadena, MD; three great-grandchildren, Raelyn Phillips, Rowen Phillips, and Wesley Phillips; and a brother, Dr. James North of Des Moines.

Memorials may be sent to the Marshalltown Assistance League or the Y Heritage Club. No plans for a memorial service have yet been announced.

Tributes

Karla Newton wrote on May 29, 2020:

"So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all. "

Tom Press wrote on May 24, 2020:

"Dave, I was so sorry to read about Jane's passing this morning. You had a wonderful life together but we all want more. You have my sincere sympathies and we mourn your loss with you and your family. Tom Press"

Denise Lynk wrote on May 23, 2020:

"Norris Family......so sorry to hear of Jane's passing. Donald & Delores Hauser"

David Adland wrote on May 23, 2020:

"Dave, very sorry to hear of Jane's passing. Always hard to lose another from the TR family. You have our sincerest condolences. Dave & Judy Adland"

John & Maggie Reibsamen wrote on May 22, 2020:

"Jane was wonderful, in all the activities she pursued, and to everyone she knew. Our condolences to the family. John & Maggie Reibsamen"

Anita wrote on May 22, 2020:

"We will truly miss Jane?s infectious smile, her caring ways and her sticky buns. She was a caring and giving person. Stop It "

Janice fairbanks wrote on May 22, 2020:

"Dear Dave,So sorry for your loss,I enjoyed seeing you and Jane at the YMCA,such a lovely couple,take care of yourself Dave,Janice Fairbanks"

Gerald Shively wrote on May 22, 2020:

"do not know her but worked at the T.R. when David Owned it and knew Chip and Paul Norris Senior "

Robin Anctil wrote on May 22, 2020:

"Dear Dave, I am so sorry to learn of Jane?s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember Jane as being such a happy and vibrant person ... clearly the perfect partner for you. I know you will find comfort in your many happy memories of her. Take good care of yourself in the coming weeks and months. With love, Robin Anctil"