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After a five-year battle with cancer, Shirley Louise Ross Norris earned her wings and is soaring with the eagles. On Jan. 20, 2024, Shirley was able to finally be with her dogs, Sadie and Fred, her two “other” kids who were her loyal companions she missed very much when they passed away.
Shirley was born on Sept. 7, 1944, in Mare Island, California to William and Doris Ross. Being the first granddaughter, she was adored by grandparents, aunts and uncles. After her dad completed his stint in the Navy they moved to Riverton, Wyoming. She graduated from Riverton High School in 1963. While in Riverton she made lifelong friends.
It was in Riverton she met her first husband Bob Norris. In 1964 they had their first child, Robert, followed by their second child, Jeff, in 1967. Bob and Shirley went their separate ways in 1967. By this time, she had moved to Denver, Colorado where she attained her medical assistant certification. She worked as a medical assistant in the office of a busy general practitioner. The doctor she worked for said she was cheerful, loyal and a delightful person to be associated with personally and professionally. Many of the people she encountered throughout her life would agree. In 1970 Shirley had a third child, Jim Hoag. He was adopted by a friend of Shirley’s. Years later they found each other and kept in contact with one another.
In December 1970 she moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada to be with her parents and siblings. She loved Canada and made some great friends; whom she kept in contact with until she passed away. When all her family moved to Billings, Montana, she moved with them; even though she would have preferred to stay in Canada.
While in Billings she worked at the Northern Rockies Cancer Center. She made a great many friends there and was loved by all. While in Billings she bought her Shih Tzu, Sadie. Eventually, she retired and moved to be with her parents in Powell, Wyoming. There she joined Weight Watchers and Red Hats. She would also acquire a little Yorkie that showed up on her doorstep one day that she named Fred.
Shirley lived a life full of love. She showed her love for her family by trying to keep them organized and on time. She always loved her birthday because it meant winter was coming, her favorite time of year. She would rather have a snowy day than a sunny one. She also loved eagles. She watched eagle nests online and kept her family updated on the progress of the baby eagles. She also loved to play Animal Crossings on her Nintendo Switch. She had a whole town filled with flowers and loved to show her great nephews what she had done. Charley Pride was the love of her life. She attended countless numbers of his concerts. Displayed prominently by her front door was a picture of her with Charley Pride. Shirley was a shy, insecure, delicate butterfly with the strength of an eagle.
She is survived by her sons Robert (Karen) of Parkville, Missouri, Jeff of Greybull, and Jim Hoag of Wisconsin; grandson Ryan, and five granddaughters Taelyne (aka: Turkey Ball), Megan, Alex, Abi and Aleeha; two great-grandsons Jonus and Calen, and one great-granddaughter Emmaryn; brother Rodney Ross of Greybull and sister Debra Ross of Powell; nephew Jon (Elizabeth) Ross, niece Kasandra (Mike) Ross-Fell and three great-nephews Keith, Jasper and Seth; and her soul sister friends Gaye Robinson and Janie Hampton.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Doris Ross, sister-in-law Carol, and dogs Sadie and Fred.
Her family expresses their deepest appreciation and respect to Dr. Cobb in Billings, Dr. Reid, John Vipperman PA-C and all the nurses and staff at the Bighorn Cancer Center in Cody for their excellent care and support.
Saturday, May 18 at noon we will gather for lunch to celebrate Shirley with her friends and family at her home in Powell.
