Patricia "Patty" Sue Norris

Patricia "Patty" Sue Norris was born March 16, 1954 to Vern and Claire Osborn in Emmett, Idaho. She has three siblings, Deb, Kathy, and Greg. She grew up in Emmett and attended local schools. 

Early life for Patty and her siblings was adventure-filled and included learning to roller-skate around the church across the street, playing Barbies with doll clothes made by Grandma Handley, riding bikes, playing games at the church until after dark with the gang of neighborhood friends, spending time at the family lot on Cascade lake, camping, swimming, and running everywhere, riding in the back of their dad's pickup, and playing rummy taught by Grandma Handley. They would swim at the city pool and get snacks afterward. They would also swim at Roystone hot springs with their dad and get a candy bar afterwards. They also traveled to the Seattle State Fair, the Oregon coast, and to Yellowstone National Park, and camped in their little trailer. Patty was protective of her siblings, taking care of them when they were sick or had troubles. She was musical in her youth, playing the piano as a child and the clarinet in the high school marching band. She graduated from Emmett High School in 1972. 

Patty married Dennis Allen on November 11, 1972. Together, living in Cascade, Idaho, they had two children, Crystal and Wes. Dennis passed away on April 19, 1979. 

After moving back to the Emmett area, Patty earned a Clerk Typist certification from Boise State University. She went to work for the State of Idaho in the Department of Transportation, where she was employed for 15 years as an Office Clerk and Microfilm Technician. 

She married Charlie Norris on March 17, 1984. Together, they had a son, Ryan. Patty received Charlie's daughters, Jackie and Katy, as her own. Patty and Charlie divorced in 1992.

Never one to not be busy, over the years, Patty worked various jobs. In 2018, she proudly retired from the Idaho State Tax Commission after accumulating a total of 27 years of dedicated service with the State of Idaho. 

Although life was not always easy, Patty chose to enjoy it and live it to the fullest. In her later years, her favorite pastimes were gardening, attending as many of her grandchildren's events as she could, family gatherings, baking and sharing fudge and Christmas candies, cruise night with Greg and his classic Model T pickup, spending time at Kathy's cabin, camping in McCall with her sisters and their families, walking dogs with Deb, lots and lots of yard sales, racing to secure the latest curb alert, dressing up for Halloween, bonfires with lots of family and friends, boat races, playing bingo at the senior center, traveling, and working at many Boise State athletic events. She happily reached her goal of attending a NASCAR race with Kathy. Patty loved the Oregon coast, walking for miles on the beach, hunting for seashells, feeding the seagulls, and eating at Mo's. She had many beloved pets. She loved all living creatures, except for snakes. She hated snakes. Much like her mother, Claire, Patty was somewhat of a family historian. She knew every aunt, uncle, and distant family member, and she wanted you to know them, too. She would take you by the arm and go around at family gatherings, introducing you to as many people as she could. A fun memory was that Patty and Greg's wife, Kathy, carpooled to Boise State University together when they were in classes and applying for jobs. In their later years, they worked together at the Tax Commission and carpooled together again before retiring.

Patty was greatly blessed with attributes of friendship, kindness, and the ability to forgive. She recognized the worth of each person she met and valued them for who they were. She always thought of others, never wanting anyone to be left out. When giving a birthday gift to one grandchild, she would often bring gifts for the other grandchildren so they would not feel excluded. She possessed the unique desire and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone at any time and quickly become friends. She adopted neighbors and friends as members of her own family, caring for them and treating them as if she had known them all her life. Patty truly knew no strangers. She lived to make others happy. Her children were most important to her, and she would do anything she could for them. These attributes and way of life were a reflection of her devotion to Jesus Christ. She further demonstrated that commitment by entering the waters of baptism on June 29, 2021.

At the age of 69, Patty passed away at Vibra Hospital in Boise, Idaho on October 19, 2023. 

She is survived by her children, Crystal Mckinney Allen (Jerry), Wes (Brandy) Allen, Ryan (Alexis) Norris, Katy (Patrick) Booher, and Jackie (Joe) Brown; grandchildren, Austin (Jace), Jessica (Jerry), Mackenzie, Halie, Deni, Peyton, Jaydin, Ayaniah, Troy, Lakylie, Holden, Kallon, Piper, Kayla, Korben, and Kharis; great-grandchildren, Dennon, Crighton, Laney, Chad, and Jerry Jr. III; her siblings, Deb Rodgers, Kathy (Jeff) Rice, Greg (Kathy) Osborn, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A Graveside Celebration of Life for Patty will be held March 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the cemetery located at 1205 N. Washington Ave, Emmett, Idaho. A lunch will be served following at Heritage Christian Church located at 115 N Hayes Ave, Emmett, Idaho.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your charity of choice.

Click this link to share photos and memories of Patty: 

https://my.gather.app/remember/patricia-patty-norris
 

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