Eileen Norris

Eileen Anne Norris, 86, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 12, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Eileen was born March 10, 1939, in Ogden, Utah, to Alton “Bart” and Sybil Herrick Barton. She graduated from Cyprus High School and later earned her nursing degree at Weber State University. Eileen worked as a surgical nurse at Primary Children’s Hospital where she met and fell in love with an orderly named Sherman Norris.

On June 20, 1963, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised 6 children of their own. Eventually they welcomed 33 foster children into their home through the years. In 1976, they moved to Idaho.

Eileen had a distinguished career as a surgical nurse and was the Director of Nursing for the Idaho Fall Surgical Center. Eileen loved to sing as she worked and belted out tunes like, “Oh, Happy Day,” and “Be-Bop-a-Loo-Lah,” and often could be heard shouting a “Hallelujah” chorus when she completed her last surgical case of the day!

Eileen stayed busy with gardening, camping, hunting, little league, cub scouts, and helping organize and promote countless car shows! (Technically she earned 2 Eagle Scout awards!). Even while working full time, she found time to fully support her family and honor her church callings. She led by example, showing her care for others and serving them, even during tough times. Eileen was a joyful woman. She was always available to host the all girl “Super Cousins” club for her granddaughters. She made their many sleepovers and game nights memorable. She also hosted epic sleepovers for “The Dudes” (her grandsons) who always performed many stunts on their bikes and battles and sword fights. Grandma’s house was the place to be!

Eileen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings over the years and she loved to do “Indexing” where she helped cross reference well over 200,000 records. (While in her 80’s.)

Eileen is survived by her son, Mike (Laura) Norris of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Gary Norris of Orem, UT; daughter, Shereen (David) Gonzalez of Ammon, ID; son, Tony (Jenn) Norris of Roswell, NM; daughter, Lisa (Kenny) Summers of Idaho Falls, ID; foster son, Stephen (Jina) Gheen of Mt. Pleasant, UT; foster daughter, Donna McMillan of Twin Falls, ID; 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman Norris; daughter, Shannon Daniel; father, Alton “Bart” Barton; mother, Sybil Clays; and brother, Neill Barton.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, with Bishop Colum Wride officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services, with both visitations at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

A special “thank you” from the family to Nichole from Qualicare, and Hayley and Shayla from Symbii Hospice, for their many hours of care for Eileen.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.