Raymond

E. Norton

Ainsworth — Raymond Edward Norton, 89, of Ainsworth, died Sunday, April 17, 2022 at West Holt Memorial Hospital in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Pastor Wayne Owens officiated. Music was provided by the CD selections of “In The Garden” and “Old Rugged Cross.” A eulogy was given by Ashley (Norton) Thompson.  

Pallbearers were Travis Menish, Dale Lindquist, Casey Norton, Banning Norton, Joey Neidhardt and Christopher Norton.  

Honorary pallbearers were all of Ray's other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Burial was in the Ainsworth Cemetery in Ainsworth with military honors provided by Ainsworth American Legion Post 79.  

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.  

Raymond was born on the family homestead north of Stuart on Jan. 19, 1933 to Asa E. and Lucy A. (Wilcox) Norton. He was the oldest of 13 children. Ray graduated from Stuart High School in 1950.  

He served in the United States Army from April 3, 1951 through April 2, 1954 during the Korean War.  

When he returned from the service, he worked at various ranches.  

Ray married Nedra M. Weber on May 28, 1956 at Atkinson. To this union four children were born Robert, Marcia, Todd and Michael.  

Ray and Nedra and family lived north of Newport for awhile and later moved south of Long Pine where he started his own ranching and dairy farm. In 1976, they moved to Ainsworth where he worked for the City of Ainsworth as a garbage man. He retired at age 65 in 1998.  

After retirement, he enjoyed fishing, repairing bicycles and mostly just being with his family. 

Ray is survived by his four children Robert (Janet) Norton of Valentine, Marcia (Scott) Menish of O'Neill, Todd (Cindy) Norton of Rose and Michael (Jeanie) Norton of Ainsworth; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers Don Norton of Stuart, Dean Norton of Glen Rock, WY and Robert (Marietta) Norton of Stuart; four sisters Mary (Frank) Obermire of Cassville, MO, Gladys Norton of Columbus, Joyce Murphy of Snohomish, WA and Karen (Dan) Kallhoff of Pilger; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Nedra who passed away July 20, 2014; and five siblings James, Eugene, Richard, Larry Norton and Norma Peterson.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.