Mrs. Ruby “Irene” Norton, age 100, of Hutsonville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:20 p.m. at Marshall Rehabilitation and Nursing in Marshall, Illinois, following several years of declining health. She was surrounded by the love and prayers of her family as she entered into eternal rest.
Born on February 22, 1925, in Youngstown, Ohio, Irene was the daughter of Orval Clark Winters and Ruby Irene (Irwin) Winters. Her mother died when Irene was only three days old, and she was lovingly raised by her father and stepmother, Mary Elizabeth (Branham) Winters. Irene carried the values of faith, strength, and perseverance throughout her life.
On August 2, 1947, Irene married the love of her life, Fred Norton, and together they built a home rooted in love, laughter, and faith. They shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on September 18, 2007.
A 1943 graduate of Hutsonville High School, Irene furthered her education at Blackburn College and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. During World War II, Irene proudly supported the war effort by working at the Republic Aircraft Plant in Evansville, Indiana, helping to construct the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane—work she often recalled with pride.
Irene spent several years as a schoolteacher at Jefferson Grade School, touching the lives of many young students before dedicating herself fully to raising her family. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. Her life was an example of unwavering dedication to her family, her church, and her community.
She was a lifelong and faithful member of the Hutsonville Baptist Church, where she served as church secretary for over 50 years. Irene was also a member of the DORCAS Circle, the Hutsonville Women’s Club, and the Thimble Club. She took great pride in civic involvement and served as Committee Chairman for the Crawford County Republican Women. Her sharp mind, gentle presence, and giving heart made her a trusted friend and respected leader.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Bette Jo (Jay) Ramsey of Hutsonville, Holly Ann Norton (Tony Noblitt) of Hutsonville, and Susan Jill (Greg) Weems of Olney; grandchildren, Bill (Rachel) Plew, Jr., Rob (Andrea) Plew, Darla O’Dell &Nick Atencio, Ember (Justin) Kabbes, Kendyl (Evan) Mitchell, Lincoln Keller, Laura (Shawn) Griffin, Lyndsey (T.J.) Barth, Marcus (Bailey Flemming) Weems, and Madison (Zac) Eagleston; 18 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and her nephew, Kim Campbell.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; an infant brother; and her sister, Betty Jane Winters (2005).
Funeral services celebrating Irene’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Pulliam Funeral Home in Hutsonville, Illinois, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Hutsonville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Hutsonville Fire Department or to the Crawford County Humane Society with envelopes available at the funeral home.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and staff at Marshall Rehabilitation and Nursing Home for their compassionate care in Irene’s final years.
Pulliam Funeral Home of Hutsonville is honored to serve the Norton family and celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman.
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