Irene Norton

Irene Norton, 91, went to be with her Lord and her beloved husband, Bob, on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Lakeview Senior Living, surrounded by her loving family.

Irene was born in Battle Creek, June 18, 1924, to Floyd Hamilton Fish and Winnie (West) Fish. She lived in Battle Creek all her life, with the exception of three years in Milwaukee, WI.

She attended Battle Creek Public Schools and grew up as a self-professed "Tomboy," swimming, fishing and boating on the river with her best friend, her brother Herb. She met her husband Robert G. Norton through mutual friends. They were married August 13, 1945 and were together for 65 years. Irene and Bob raised a family of four boys, three of whom survive. She has 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Irene focused on being a wife and mother, but trained as a nurse and used her skill as a visiting nurse at Leila Hospital. During the war she worked for the government as a heavy vehicle maintenance mechanic at Fort Custer in Battle Creek. She has many hobbies such as sewing, crocheting, ceramics, quilting, reading and gardening. Irene's favorite way to spend her time though was with her family, spending her retirement years with her grandchildren as often as possible.

The last two years, Irene happily resided at Lakeview Senior Living in the company of her dog, Lindy, who she described as "The perfect Dog." At Lakeview she gathered many new friends and many new granddaughters among the caregivers and found a kindred spirit in her friend, Marlene. She loved life and people, and said she had yet to meet a person she didn't like.

Irene is survived by her sons, Charles R. Norton, Robert D. Norton, Kenneth R. Norton, as well as four very special daughters-in-law, Nita Cretsinger, Carolyn Norton, Dorothy Norton and Phyllis Norton.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert G. Norton in 2010, a son, Terry Norton in 2002, two sisters Helen Love of Battle Creek and Winnifred Thompson of Lawton and two brothers Herbert Fish of Battle Creek and Francis Fish of Santa Anna, CA.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate Irene's life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 11 2016 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Bronson at Home Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.