Obituary of Karen Marie Norris

Karen Marie Norris finished her earthly journey and moved on to a much better place on July 29, 2020 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, ID. She was born on October 11, 1953 in Pocatello, Idaho, the daughter of Carroll J. Lammers and Frances C. Lammers. She spent her early years living in Pocatello and American Falls, Idaho where her father was a long time employee of Idaho Power Company. During her junior high years, she befriended Gala Bibb who was the daughter of the pastor of the Pocatello United Pentecostal Church. During this time, she repented of her sins and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in their family kitchen as recorded in the Bible in Acts 2:38. Several years later, she was baptized by her Pastor, Robert Bibb, in the name of Jesus Christ, after becoming an adult. She graduated from Pocatello High School and attended Idaho State University. It was during her time at ISU that she met another student and fellow church member, Tim J. Norris, who would later become her husband. Karen and a close friend decided to move to Portland, Oregon in late 1975 to attend a bible college there and work at Montgomery Ward. In late 1976, her friend, Tim Norris, asked her to move back to Pocatello so that they could pursue their relationship. She agreed and they were married on June 4, 1977. They lived in Montana for a couple of years after they were married, but eventually returned to Twin Falls, Idaho where Tim was born and had family. They became members of Bethel Temple Apostolic Church where Tim was raised, and they served as active members together for over 40 years. Three sons eventually became part of their family: Russell David, Daniel Allen, and Steven John. Karen’s family was her life and she was an outstanding mother and homemaker. She also taught Sunday School for many years and influenced the lives of hundreds of young children. Many remember her fondly as their second grade Sunday School teacher. Karen loved and cared for people of all ages and their home became the home of two other young people; Leena Huber and John Bauer, for a period of time during their teen years. Several other young people spent many happy hours in the Norris home, including Lisa Taylor and Kimberly Land. Karen kept in contact with many people that she became friends with over the years and never wanted to let anyone go out of her life completely, even if they lived thousands of miles away. Karen enjoyed camping, canoeing, bicycling, sewing, crafts, cooking and most of all, going to church. Her husband had to drag her to some of these more adventurous activities, but she was usually game to at least give it a try. The only activity that she couldn’t quite go for was sharing her husband’s lifelong passion for motorcycling! She eventually became “Gramee” to the children of several of the young people that became “adopted” members of the family and they all fondly remember her care and generosity. In later years she also became “Gramee” to the five grandchildren who were the children of her two living sons. They always knew that Gramee loved them and was willing to give of herself to be part of their lives. Karen is survived by her husband of 43 years, Tim Norris, her brother Tim Lammers, and her sons Daniel (Victoria) Norris and Steven (Aimee) Norris and her grandchildren Madison, Paisleigh, Bridgett, Caleb, and Olivia. She is also survived by her “adopted” children Leena (John) Huber, John (Tina) Bauer, Lisa (Donny) Taylor and her “adopted” grandchildren: Samuel Huber, Melissa Huber, Daniell Bauer, Alexander Bauer, Rebekah Bauer, Tucker Bauer, Garrett Taylor and Ryan Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, her firstborn son, Russell, and an “adopted” grandchild Elaine Huber. A public viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, August 5th at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave E in Twin Falls, ID. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 6th at 11am at Bethel Temple Apostolic Church, 929 Hankins Road, Twin Falls, ID under the direction of Pastor John Collins, Jr. Due to the current pandemic, an audio feed of her funeral services will also be broadcast on the app Zoom starting at 10:30 am Thursday by using meeting ID #311-542-5723 and the password 6655. The free application Zoom may be downloaded to a computer or smartphone or you can dial 1-646-876-9923 and enter the meeting ID and password directly when prompted without using the Zoom app.