Norris, Ruby Lively

Ruby “Honey” Lively Norris, 84, of Christiansburg, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2014 of complications from a stroke. She was born on November 14, 1929, in Pocahontas, Virginia, to the late Alfred Newton and Elizabeth Barnes Lively. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Norris was preceded in death by her husband, Worth “Squirt” Norris, to whom she was married for 49 years; and a brother, Alfred Preston Lively. Left to cherish her memory is a sister, Ora Lee Jordan, Yadkinville, N.C.; nieces and their husbands, Anita Hobson and Randy, Yadkinville, N.C., Vivian and Rudy Brauer, Winston-Salem, N.C., Brenda Lively and children, Brianna and Alfred, Downey, CA, Ruby and Paul Heft and children, Paul Preston and Pearl, AppleValley, CA; sister-in-law, Nona Adkins, Princeton, WV; several beloved nieces and nephews of her husband; and beloved special friends, Joyce O. Morgan and Carolyn K. Sowers, both of Christiansburg. She is also survived by her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority sisters, near and far, and many friends, including Doug, Anthony and Jeffrey Morgan. Mrs. Norris retired as Office Manager of Homer Cox Ford in Christiansburg with 42 years of service. She has been a faithful supporter of Christiansburg, its people and many service groups, and took special interest in everyone she came in contact with. She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority, the largest women’s organization in the world, for 60 years. She received many recognitions throughout her years of membership, including the prestigious International Award of Distinction. A lady of grace and dignity, “Miss Ruby” was a friend to all, made a positive impact on so many, and corresponded with hundreds during a year’s time either by card, letter, phone call or visit. Her friendship and sweet smile, her love of life, and the love she had for others will be missed by so many friends who will treasure an abundance of sweet memories. A celebration of her life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at Horne Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Neal Turner officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Ruby L. Norris to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, 10 East Main Street, Christiansburg, Va 24073 or to Christiansburg Fire Department, 110 Depot Street, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:6