Betty Jo Norton

Betty Jo Norton passed away at Unity Oregon on June 6, 2023. She was 94 years old.   Graveside services will be held Tuesday June 13, 2023 at 11:00AM at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Mitchell, Oregon. John Doyle will conduct the services.
Elizabeth Josephine Rickman (Betty Jo) was born June 23, 1928 to Tom and Lucy Rickman at Bear Creek in Brothers, Oregon. She married Edmund Carlyle “Cork” Norton Jr.October 29, 1947 in Portland, Oregon. They resided most of their married life on the family ranch at Bear Creek near the Painted Hills in Mitchell, Oregon.
They had four children, Tom Norton (Mary), Baker, Mary Doyle (John), Prineville, Walter Norton and Lorrie Andrews(Brad) of Unity, Oregon.  Grandchildren, Jenell (Jimmy) Zamora, Ben(Cynthia) Norton, Steve (Donn), Brian(Michele) and Mike (Jess) Gillen. Great- grandchildren, Johnny and Cella Gillen, Madelyn & Sophia Fuentes, Ashley Avila, Makylie Shira,  Issac, Elizabeth, Gabriel, Hannah, Justin & Adam Zamora and Clark, Conner and Kate Norton. Great- granddaughter, Oaklee Shira. Additional grandchildren in Arizona include Clint (Heather), Jake (Jessica), Angie, Josh (Tasha)(, Matt (Christina), Ivan(Robyn) and Eli Doyle and Matti (Kyle) Lynch as well as 24 great grandchildren & two great great-grandchildren.
 She attended a one room school, going there by horseback, sometimes through two feet of snow and zero weather.  She attended high school in Bend, Oregon, graduating in 1946.  That was quite the change from a one room school and knowing only one other girl, who later married her brother.  After graduation she moved to Mitchell and lived with her sister Lucille Cherry while working at the Hotel and Brookshire’s Restaurant.  During this time she met and fell in love with a handsome Marine just out of the service, “Carlyle “Cork” Norton.  She left for a summer job at Lake Creek Lodge on the Metolius and after a very long summer they were married in October.
In the fall of 1968 she started working for the Mitchell School District, getting the job only if she drove the Burnt Ranch bus route.  Luckily she had a truck driving husband and some quick lessons on double clutching, using side mirrors, checking everything from gas, oil, lights, tires and all. She served as a teacher’s aide and became certified as a Home Economics Instructor.  Over the years Betty was involved with 4-H Sewing Clubs helping numerous young girls and boys make everything from simple aprons to wedding dresses. The Mother’s Day Tea became an annual event for all of her students to show their accomplishments.  After 24 years with the school district she retired in June of 1992.
Betty Jo was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and well known for her beautiful Hand Applique.  Gardening was her Pride and Joy; nothing pleased her more than sharing her fruits and vegetables with everyone who came to visit and frequently made deliveries to town to friends and family.
Betty was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband Carlyle Norton, son Walter Ray Norton and six brothers and sisters. 
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Crook County Quilt Guild- P.O. Box 746 Prineville, OR 97754 or Heart’n Home Hospice & Pallitive Care,Baker City Or. Prineville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  541-447-6459

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