“I am going to fly to the moon some day.” Surrounded by those she loved, Dione Blair Norris, age 85 of New Castle, Colorado, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2017 at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado after a sudden illness.
Dione was born September 3, 1932, in Wisner, Nebraska, to Dr. Peter J. and Anna L. Cooper Blair. Dione attended and graduated from Mondamin Consolidated Schools in 1950. Dione completed the business course from Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Nebraska and then attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. In 1954, she began employment with The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company in Seattle, Washington and she retired from USWest Communications in Omaha, Nebraska in 1990. She married Bruce Anthony Norris on November 19, 1965 in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1970, they welcomed their daughter Amy. Dione was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as the State Regent for Iowa from 1996-1998. Dione was a member of Mondamin United Methodist Church where she served for many years as the Treasurer. Dione was also a member of the Mondamin City Council, the Mondamin Public Library Board and she served as the Secretary for the Harmony Court Residents Association. Dione dearly loved her country and heritage and she was an avid fan of college sports. She was a dedicated social media enthusiast. Technology suited her purpose of rooting on her favorite college teams, voicing her opinions, and correcting every grammar error she could find. The quote above was from her time in 7th grade when she signed all her papers with “Flying Officer Blair”—a moniker she created out of pride for her older brothers who were serving as United States Marines.
Dione was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Anthony Norris; her parents, Peter Jay and Anna Lura Cooper Blair; sister, Yvonne Blair Maule; brothers, William Jay Blair and George Keith Blair; sisters-in-law, Josephine and Georgia Blair; and brother-in-law, Donald Maule.
Dione is survived by her daughter, Amy J. Norris; her granddaughters, Emily Anna Johnson, Kristin Marie and Robert M. Orr, Jr.; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
You’ve reached the moon, and then beyond. At ease, Flying Officer Blair.
The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the Mondamin Community Center following the committal service at the cemetery.
In Loving Memory Of
Dione B. Norris
Born
September 3, 1932 Wisner, Nebraska
Entered Into Rest
November 6, 2017 Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2017
Hennessey Funeral Home
Missouri Valley, Iowa
Officiating Pastor Wayne Bahr
Organist Sharon Shelton
Congregational Selections
“Hymn of Promise” Verse 1 and 3”
“Faith of Our Fathers” Verse 1
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Verse 1 and 4
Final Resting Place
Magnolia Cemetery
Magnolia, Iowa
4 Comments
My greatest memories with Dione and Yvonne in the DAR will be remembered in a special place.
Sincerely sending prayers of comfort to her family.
Such a lovely person.
James Harlan Chapter, Iowa Society Daughters of the American Revolution sends sincere condolences to the family of Dione Norris and is grateful for her dedicated service.
James Harlan Chapter, ISDAR sends sincere condolences to the family of Dione Norris and is grateful for her dedicated service.
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