Marilou Norris

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Marilou Norris, age 92, of Redings Mill, Missouri passed away Monday November 17, 2025.

She was born August 9, 1933 in the mystical town of Englevale, Kansas to James Wade and Cordelia (Burgin) Wade. She was the youngest of nine children.

Marilou married Robert Norris on September 22, 1956 in Pittsburg, Kansas and he preceded her in death on August 20, 1993.

She attended Arma Grade School, Pittsburg High School, Kansas State Teachers College and Missouri Southern College.

Marilou was civic minded and served as Mayor and Clerk in Redings Mill as well as serving on the board of directors of the Redings Mill Fire District and as an Election Judge in Newton County, plus the Redings Mill Fire Ladies Auxiliary, and the Red Hat Society. She worked in retail sales with Wal Mart and Famous Barr. After retiring from retail, she worked several years as a candy dipper for Richardson’s Candy House. Marilou also loved making pizzas, soups and desserts for their family-owned restaurant, Geppetto’s Pizzeria.

Marilou did specialty catering, enjoyed baking as well as decorating many wedding cakes over the years, playing skip-bo, painting and crocheting handmade blankets for family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, Don and Neil Norris, one grandson, Beau Norris, her sisters, Florence Langford, Virginia Trytek, Verona Hayes, Eileen Wade, brothers, Thomas Wade, Lyle Wade, Joe Wade, and Jim Wade.

Marilou is survived by two daughters, Kimi Harlan (Tom) Webb City, Missouri, Kelli Starkweather (Jeff) Carl Junction, Missouri, two grandchildren, Bailey Goodall (Butch), Joplin, Missouri, Seth Norris (Griffon), Kansas City, Missouri, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Memorial service will be 2:00 pm Saturday November 22, 2025 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or Lewy Body Dementia Society. Per Marilou’s request, we would love everyone to wear bright colorful clothing to celebrate her life.

“My journey has been a wonderful experience”

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory Joplin, Missouri.