Ilene Norton, age 93, died at Brookdale Senior Living, Hays, Kansas on February 27, 2024. She was born on May 6, 1930, in rural Beeler, Kansas, to Jacob and Myrtle (Schamaun) Merryfield and was the fourth of five children. Ilene and her family resided 8 miles south of Beeler, KS from birth to young adulthood.
Ilene attended Plum Creek School at Buda, KS for 8 years where she was the only student in her grade for all 8 years. Ilene attended Beeler High School and graduated in 1948. Ilene worked in the café in Dighton, KS before getting married.
On November 21, 1951, she married Leonard Norton in Dighton, KS. Two children were born to this union Vicky and Marlin. Leonard and Ilene built a farm and ranching legacy together for 50 years. Every farming and family decision was made together. Ilene helped with summer and fall harvest, harvest meals, checking cows, riding horses and motorcycles/4-wheelers. Ilene was an integral part of the farm operation and managing the farm finances. Ilene also cared for her mother, Myrtle, for many years at the farm. Leonard and Ilene had 50 years together before his death in 12-28-2001 on Marlin’s 34th birthday. Sadly, Marlin died 7 years after Leonard and both losses were Ilene’s greatest heartache.
After Leonard’s death Ilene moved from the farm to Ness City. She enjoyed spending time and playing cards with friends and family. Ilene attended numerous ball games, concerts and graduations watching her three grandchildren. Ilene loved her three grandchildren: Caleb, Colin and Cailin and enjoyed her six great-grandchildren: Canyon, Craylee, Caydex, Creek, Cru and Dirks. They brought her great joy in being with them. She attended the Utica and Ness City Methodist Churches. Ilene’s extended family of nieces and nephews were like her children as well and they affectionately called her “Auntie”.
Ilene is survived by her daughter, Vicky Francisco and her husband, Andy, of Beeler, Kansas; three grandchildren, Caleb and Jade Foos, Ness City, Colin and Katren Foos, Ness City, Cailin and Dylan Hamilton, Sublette; six great grandchildren, Canyon, Craylee and Creek Foos, Caydex and Cru Foos, and Dirks Hamilton; and her brother, Dean Merryfield, Ness City. Along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son; brothers, Delbert and Duane Merryfield; and her sister, Arlene Pearce.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ness City Methodist Church followed by burial in the Utica Cemetery. Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Ness County Fair Association, Brookdale Senior Living, or the Utica American Legion.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by signing the guestbook.