Carolyn J. Norris, 74, a long-time resident of Chester & Joplin, passed away peacefully at Village Health & Rehab, in Missoula, Montana on January 3, 2023.
Born March 5th, 1948 to Winfred P. (Jerry) and Inez (Huestis) Halter in Havre, she was raised near Big Sandy on the Halter Ranch along the Missouri River. She attended school in Big Sandy and began her career in the Healthcare field while still in high school.
She married Steve Norris on November 15, 1968. Over the years they l ived in Fort Benton, Winifred, Glasgow, Chester, and Joplin, where they raised two of their children, Jack and TiAnne. Wherever they lived, Carolyn took care of people. She was a CNA for over 35 years at nursing centers and for private patients. Her heart was one of service and it showed in all the ways and years she took care of everyone. She was a child of God and attended First Christian Church in Fort Benton and was a member of Alliance Church in Chester.
Carolyn enjoyed some fun in life and was a master of many games. She loved Scrabble, Pinochle, Bingo, and Spite and Malice. She had a memory for numbers and important dates that couldn't be matched! Anyone who got a call from her on their birthday would always be reminded to make sure to renew their Driver License! Carolyn had as sharp a memory for jokes and she had a cache of them! She wanted people to smile and laugh! In telling jokes, there was always a spirited twinkle in her eye!! She loved writing letters and was so thoughtful in her letter writing; many hearts were brightened when receiving a letter or card from Carolyn.
After the devastating and sudden loss of her daughter, TiAnne and stillborn grandson, Oran, in 2007, Carolyn's health began to decline. Then, with the passing of Steve in 2014, Carolyn moved to Missoula to Hillside Health & Rehab in 2015, to be closer to her sister, Joey and their Dad. They were able to make many wonderful memories playing cards, having lunches, visiting on occasion to Dixon, having girls' spa days and outings when her niece, Wendy, would fly up from Texas. At Hillside she enjoyed her favorite activities, and made some very precious friendships. No matter where Carolyn was, she touched lives!
When her Dad, and then Joey passed, her sadness and health worsened. In August of 2022, Hillside closed and she moved across town to The Village receiving special visits from Laura Esterby and Marsha Hettick who would bring her her favorite goodies and put a smile on her face. With so much loss, life changes, distance of family, and declining health, particularly during COVID, she shared her desire and readiness to reunite with everyone in Heaven, and on January 3 rd, God answered and took her Home. She will be missed by so many, but we know we will see her again!
She is preceded in death by her parents, Winfred P. (Jerry) Halter and Inez Lucille (Huestis) Halter; husband, Clyde (Steve) Stephen Norris, infant son, daughter TiAnne Moore & grandson Oran Blaine Gage, brother Donald Fox, sister Joey Hettick, and nephew, Greg Hettick.
She is survived by son, Jack (Nicki) Norris of Great Falls, grandsons, Cody Norris & Cory Guettler of Helena, siblings Eldonna (Loren) Jenkins of Big Sandy, Butch Halter of Billings, brother-in-law, Harley Hettick of Dixon, Jack (Bev) Halter of Rudyard and Gay (Ron) Pearson of Big Sandy, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation: Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester January 13th from 6-8.
Services: Chester Alliance Church January 14th at 2 pm, Pastor Stephen Nelson officiating.
(A live video link for service will be available for those unable to attend). Burial is at Joplin Cemetery and with a luncheon following at Alliance Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Asper Funeral Homes, Chester location; asperfh.com.
