Our dear Mother, Eloise Norton, age 91, passed away peacefully December 16, 2018 in Elk Grove, California. Her loving daughter was by her side. She was born April 9, 1927 in Goodland, Kansas to Elmer and Mary Euwer. She was the youngest of three children. In 1936, when she was 9, Eloise fondly remembered her family serving dinner to 9 politicians, one of them was the presidential candidate Alf Landon. Her father was Kansas State Senator Elmer Euwer. If Landon had won the election, her Dad would have been the Attorney General.
Eloise, known as "Ellie" to her friends and family, met the love of her life, E. Sam Norton while attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. She graduated with a BS in Occupational Therapy, and a BA degree in Home Economics. Ellie and Sam were married September 3, 1950 in Goodland, Kansas. In 1951 Sam and Ellie moved to California, settling in Hemet where they started their family. They were married 59 years until Sam's passing on June 24, 2010.
Ellie was an active and devoted member of the First Christian Church in Hemet. She served as the choir director at the church for many years, as well as the President of the Christian Women's Fellowship. Ellie became very involved in the community and dedicated her life to helping others. She was a true Humanitarian.
Ellie served as a board member for the Hemet Library. She was awarded the 1983 Book of Golden Deeds by the Exchange Club of Hemet-San Jacinto Valley.
Ellie was the president of the following organizations: American Association of University Women, Valley Beautiful, Family Services Association, Assistance League (Ellie was instrumental in starting the chapter in Hemet), Southern Inland Area Council of Hospital Auxiliaries and she served as a Pink Lady at Hemet Hospital in the early 1960’s. She was also involved with Philosophical Education Organization, Amnesty International, Solar Cookers International, Superintendent of Flower Arrangements and Table Settings for the Southern Ca. Fair for 20 years.
In her spare time, Ellie studied and received her certificate as a Master Gardener in the County of Riverside. Ellie had landscaped her yard at home with over 250 species of plants that spanned over a 50-year period.
Ellie enjoyed traveling the world and learning about other cultures.
Ellie is survived by her three children: Son, Greg Norton of Los Osos, CA; daughter, Claudia Norton-Tolbert (Dallas) of Elk Grove, CA and son, Michael Norton (Robin) of Ramsay MT. Three grandchildren: Aaron, Ian & Rory Norton and one great grandson: Gunner Norton. Also surviving are her brother and sister, Eugene Euwer & Eleanor Shimeall. Memorial service to be held at the First Christian Church, Hemet, CA January 25, 2019 at 10:00 AM. Reception to follow.
Donations would be appreciated and accepted at Assistance League of Hemacinto, P.O. Box 5425, Hemet, CA Or
First Christian Church, 200 E Acacia Ave., Hemet, CA 92543
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