Obituary: Norcross, Leta
Age 90
I was very close to little sister Opal and my older brothers Dennis and Leo who affectionately referred to Opal and I as “The Brats.”
I graduated from West Valley High School in 1943 as Class Salutatorian, with many lifelong friends from high school and even before.
My high school sweetheart, Bob Nance, and I eloped to Boulder, CO after I graduated, contrary to promises I made to my mother.
During the war Bob was in the Navy and I became a pipefitter helper working on minesweepers.
I was honored to give the dedication speech for one of these ships.
After the war I became a full time mother and homemaker with son Barry in 1946, daughter Nikki in 1948 and son Gary in 1954.
I loved projects including knitting, gardening, artwork, writing, metal sculpture, and remodeling.
After Bob’s passing, I married my second husband, Ted Norcross, in 1981.
We had 17 happy years together, especially enjoying our summers at Loon Lake.
Ted and I enjoyed civic activities including English tutoring for immigrants, public service with the Lions Club, and working with Don Kardong to set up the first Bloomsday in 1976.
Following Ted’s passing and the passing of my sister the same year, I spent enjoyable times as a close friend of my sister’s widowed husband Bill Ridenhour.
My final chapter was lived at Park Place Retirement Community, where I had a family of truly great fellow residents and wonderful staff.
In addition to three children, I am survived by 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
My memorial service will be held in the Activity Room at Park Place Assisted Living, 601 S. Park Road, Spokane Valley, WA at 10:00am on Saturday, August 29.
I would like to leave you all with my favorite bible quote: “Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5,6