Valli Norris

Valjeanne Ruth Norris, 88, of Fergus Falls, died peacefully Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at her home. Having been surrounded by family through her final weeks, we rejoice in knowing she has entered into the heavenly joy of her Lord & Savior.

Valli was born on October 16, 1928, in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Elmer & Ruth (Matson) Larson. She grew up in Fergus Falls & attended school there through the 12th grade. In 1946, she attended one year at Bethel College, St Paul, followed by one year at Miss Woods College in Minneapolis where she earned her teaching certificate.

On August 1, 1948, Valli married Del Norris at her family home in Fergus Falls. They moved to Lawrence, KS, then settled in Kansas City where they raised their 4 children. For a time, she worked as a special education teacher, but her primary role was fulfilling the art of homemaking. In 1976, they built their home in Fergus Falls, where she gratefully lived the next 41 years in her hometown.

Above all else, she treasured time spent with family, leaving them with many years of precious memories. She was an active member of Crossroads Church, devoting many years to teaching Sunday School. She was a member of Quilters, Homemakers & PEO. She loved football & basketball games, especially when the Jayhawks were playing. Her great-grandchildren often remarked about her extensive sports knowledge & enjoyed talking with her about all the recent games. Valli had the privilege of visiting many places around the world throughout the years & always loved to have fun. Around the home, she tended beautiful flower gardens & appreciated the birds among her feeders. Her Swedish heritage & antiques (notably brown bottles) are among other favorites. She is well known for silly stories, “waving goofy”, making delicious banana bread, elephant ears & homemade strawberry jam, which were often offered in gratitude to anyone lending a hand.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Del; son, Larry; sister, Marlys Gilliver; and sister-in-law, Thordis Norris.

Survivors include her son, Scott (Diane) Norris of Fergus Falls; daughters, Vicki (Jerry) Bublitz of Missouri; and Dee Norris of Fergus Falls. Grandchildren, Jenna (Jeremy) Freed of New York; T.J. (Robin) Roberts of Fergus Falls; Christi (Lindsay) Horgen of Fergus Falls; Kim Norris of Fergus Falls; Melissa Bublitz of Missouri; and Cristen Bublitz of Illinois. Great-grandchildren, Addia & Apollo Freed; Delvin, Ella & Blake Roberts; David, Jack, Hannah & Joshua Horgen; and Ellie Norris. Two brothers, Dale (Mary) Larson of Shoreview; and Paul (Joanne) Larson of Fergus Falls; brother-in-law, Darell Norris of California; and longtime family friend, David Homes of Oregon. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews & extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Crossroads Church, Trout Lake Camp Scholarship fund.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2017, with a public prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2017, at CrossRoads Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Ned Eerdmans
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com