Ronald E. Norris, age 89, longtime Shelby resident and currently of Ontario, passed Thursday morning, November 28, 2024 at Avita Health System- Ontario Hospital. His death follows a year of declining health.
Ron was born August 23, 1935 in Woodsfield, Ohio to the late Russell and Freda (Kindleberger) Norris. A 1953 graduate of Plymouth High School, Ron honorably served in the United States Navy from 1956-1958. For 44 years he was an employee of Shelby Business Forms, retiring under the Miami Systems ownership.
Ron had various hobbies and interests throughout his life- a major one being his Honda Goldwing motorcycles. He and his wife Judy went on many rides and adventures and were life members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) where those in their group were not just club members but more like family. Additionally, he was a life member of the American Motorcycle Association. Later in life, he traded from two wheels to four and adventures switched to his BMW convertible.
Ron and Judy wintered in Arizona for over 20 years creating many wonderful memories and friendships. He loved Arizona being in the warmth of the sun and beauty of the mountains. A man who loved being in the dirt, Ron faithfully tended to their landscaping not only in Ohio but also in Arizona. Ron was incredibly artistic and visionary, being able to plan and visualize any project he put his mind to. And he certainly was handy too, always building and fixing anything he could. Additionally, Ron was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing any chance he could. A generous and giving person, Ron faithfully donated blood as often as possible donating over 23 gallons throughout his life.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Judy Jayne (Sand) Norris, whom he wed April 24, 1985; children: Todd Norris of Tucson, AZ, Troy (Diana) Norris of Fresno, CA, Toby Norris of Sandpoint, ID, and Tracy (Todd) Martin of Vail, AZ; step-children: Brian Love of Tucson, AZ and Angie (Dave) Moyer of Mansfield; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sisters: Irene Baker and Jan Stanley.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. Rev. Dr. Russel Yoak, Pastor of First Lutheran Church in Shelby where Ron attended, will officiate the services. Burial will be private at Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to The Shelby Foundation, 142 North Gamble Street- Suite F, Shelby, Ohio 44875 (https://www.theshelbyfoundation.org/donate/).
Online condolences may be made on Ron’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com