Helen Norris

Helen Norris, 91, of Webster City, died Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Crestview Senior Living. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 8th at Fosters Chapel, with Rev. Linda Bibb officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Des Moines, IA. Helen Lucille McCollough, daughter of James E. and Ethel Becker McCollough was born Nov. 21, 1919 in rural Hamilton County. She received her education in Freedom Township and Webster City schools. In 1941 she moved to California, where she met and married Glendon J. Norris, a native of Idaho. He entered the Army in 1942 and Helen returned to Des Moines for most of the duration of World War II. Upon his discharge, Glendon was employed in a commercial print shop in Des Moines which he purchased in 1958 in partnership with Helen's sisters, Margaret Lemon and Bettie Lee and their husbands, Elmer and Guy. Glendon died suddenly in 1962, leaving Helen with four young sons to raise. Over the years she worked various places; National Handi-Krafts, Standard Oil Co., the Des Moines Schools (dietary department and several volunteer groups). She was an active member of Fort Des Moines Methodist Church. Helen is survived by sons Dwight (Judy) Norris, Iowa City; Duane (Lynda) Norris of Lenexa, KS; Dan Norris, West Des Moines; grandchildren Troy Norris, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Denise (Brian) Boxwell, North Liberty, IA; Michael, Benjamin, and Chad Norris, Tracy Wright all of Des Moines; Lisa Dawn Norris, West Des Moines; great-grandchildren Mitchell and Alexander Boxwell, Madalyn and Natalie Norris; sister, Philis Fletchall, Webster City, IA and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, and son Dennis G. Norris (in 1965 in the U.S. Air Force); also her parents; brothers James B. McCollough, Robert E. McCollough, all of California; sisters Margaret Lemon of Des Moines, and Bettie Lee, Mankato, MN. Helen will be remembered as a hard working mother, dedicated to her sons and their families, her extended family of relatives, her fellow church members and loyal friends. Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for Helen's family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com