Ronnie L. Norris

Ronnie L. Norris, age 81 of Portage MI, formerly of Rantoul Illinois, died on November 15, 2024. He was born on July 9, 1943, in Hartford Indiana and was the eldest son of Earl William and Levitha Fay (Perry) Norris. In his youth, the family moved to Mobile, Alabama, where Ronnie graduated from high school. In 1962 Ronnie would join the United States Air Force. He would serve his country as a Security Forces NCO for 26 years and retired as a Master Sergeant in 1988. His service took him around the world, including California, Maine, Panama, Florida, Illinois, N. Dakota, and Korea. On May 5, 1969, he married his wife of 55 years, Emerita Sanchez. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ronnie worked for Charles Industries and as a cadet cadre instructor at Lincoln Challenge Academy. He was a parishioner at St. Malachi Catholic Church in Rantoul, Illinois and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Thomasboro, Illinois. 

His family includes his wife, Emerita Norris; his children: David (Nori) Norris and Janet (Robert) Shankleton; his grandsons: Robert (Kaela) Shankleton and Daniel Shankleton; his great-grandchildren: Cayden, Miley, Ryder, Isabelle, Cailyn, Noah, Samantha, and Elliana; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Loretta, Roberta, and Russell. 

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta MI on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM. 

Please share memories of Ronnie with his family at www.langelands.com