Norris, Ardith E .

Ardith E. Norris, 93, formerly of Streator, IL died 4:00 A.M. Thursday, October 08, 2009 at the Monmouth Nursing Home.

She was born August 6, 1916 at Streator, Illinois, the daughter of Ronald Ray and Lola (Mortland) Armstrong.

She was raised and educated in the Streator area, attending rural Mud Land School and graduating from Streator High School in 1937.  She then received her teaching certificate from Normal College in Bloomington, IL in 1936 and later graduated from Illinois State University.

Ardith married John H. Norris at Streator on May 20, 1939 and he preceded her in death on October 5, 2003.

She first taught school at Champion School near Manville, IL, then taught 6th grade, and 4th grade at Woodland and then Educable Mentally Handicapped at Cornell Schools until retiring in 1971.  She also taught in rural Livingston County schools.  She enjoyed her grandchildren, crocheting, canning food and gardening.  She helped her husband on the family farm where she was born and lived until moving to Monmouth in 2004.

She was a member of the Christ’s Episcopal Church in Streator, Order of Eastern Star #301, Joppa Shrine #34 of which she was secretary for many years and a 50 year member, past Worthy Matrons and past Worthy High Priestess and the Livingston County Retired Teacher’s Association.

Her family includes, one daughter, Alice (Raymond) Defenbaugh of Biggsville, one son, Richard A. Norris of Streator, two granddaughters and two grandsons, five great grandsons and two great granddaughters along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one great grandson.

Friends may call after noon on Sunday, October 11 at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth where her family will be present from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M.  An Order of Eastern Star service will be 10:00 A.M. on Monday, October 12 at Hagi Funeral Home, Streator followed by   funeral services.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Streator.  Memorials may be left for Rozetta Cemetery.

Online condolences may left at hooverhall.com.