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Beverly Arlamae Norris, 90

Beverly Arlamae Norris received her call home to glory the morning of June 1, 2017. She left this world, as beautifully as she existed in it, steady, peace filled and full of grace. Beverly was born July 19, 1926, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Palmer “Pop” and Della Peterson.

Bev, with siblings, Sherleigh, Clarence “Pete” and Gerald “Gerry,” grew in a home full of love, good food, dear friends and great humor. A veritable hard worker, she graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1944, and very much enjoyed working her job at the local drugstore. Exercising her keen memory, she spoke of these years often, with true affection, keeping us in stitches with her masterful story telling and quick wit.

Beverly married her love, John William Norris “Bill,” in 1950. Having four children of their own, they settled in Dalton Gardens in 1960. Their place in Dalton was as warm and welcoming as they come. Bev cultivated and kept a massive garden, as well as a home where people wanted to be. She was always ready for a visit, with utmost hospitality, delicious food and don’t forget the coffee (she was Norwegian, after all). This Dalton acre was given over for the roaming to kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. A place fondly remembered by us all. They lived there in their home for 66 years before moving to Garden Plaza’s independent living in June 2016.

To pack all of the wonder of Beverly Norris into a few paragraphs is an impossibility. She is truly a rare treasure. There are a few things, however, that mustn’t go without saying. She loves God well. Faithful to be in, and serve in His house throughout her years, she displays His character beautifully. She loves her family well. Sacrificially giving of herself, operating in kindness, a steadfast giver of care. She loves people. An avid conversationalist, she keeps old friends and makes new ones with ease. She loves books. One of the smartest people I’ve ever met, her mind is like a filing cabinet. She fancies game shows, mysteries, razzing her nephew, Channing (vice versa of course), chocolate ice cream, chocolate anything, interesting Norwegian delicacies, reminiscing, road trips and more. She excels at, cooking, baking, canning (Oh, those pickles and hot beans), knitting, drinking coffee, winning Scrabble (and every other game for that matter), laughing and living…she excels at living. This paragraph is present tense on purpose, for those who are in Christ; to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Even as she lives on in Eternity, we will be with her again.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and grandson Isaac Norris. She is survived by husband John Norris; children Lynn (T) Nichols, Craig (Glenda) Norris, Jan (Sam) Conner and Kelley (Gregg) Bianchi. Also by grandchildren Justine, Rob, Spirit, Nathan, Levi, Matthew, Keenan and Grady; 10 great-grandkids and one great-great-granddaughter.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2017, at House of Faith church, 1103 N. Third St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Burial is to follow at Grandview Cemetery in Bonners Ferry at 2 p.m. English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene has been entrusted with the arrangements.