Ruthann Norris

Ruthann Norris never met a stranger. She never had a bad day, and she never left a conversation without grabbing hold of your hand and saying, “Bless your Buttons”.

She loved her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, her dogs, Wyoming, God, the Catholic Church, and cheap white wine with a glass of ice on the side. Not necessarily in that order, but not, not in that order either.

One of her most beautiful qualities was the ability to make everyone she met feel special, as if they were the most important person in the world touching countless lives along the way. You couldn’t be bad in her eyes. She welcomed all and saw the good in everyone.

Ruthann was born on May 20, 1929 in the small mining town of Gebo, Wyoming in the only hospital within a 20 mile radius of Thermopolis where she grew up. Her parents Mariah Ruth McCready and Charles Mortimore Smith were Wyoming to the core. Smith, once named the Association of General Contractors Man of the Year, built famous structures and bridges throughout Wyoming.

In 1949 Ruthann married her forever love, Frank Norris Jr. Frank was Director of the Wyoming Travel Commission and received the distinguished Travel Director of the Year Award for the entire country multiple times. Together, Ruthann, Frank and their family traveled the state of Wyoming promoting its beauty and uniqueness.

Ruthann took great pride in managing the office of the Honorable Dick Cheney for many years, including attending the Bush-Cheney Inauguration. She continued her distinguished career working for Senator Craig Thomas and also contributed her talents to the Wyoming State Legislature.

Throughout her 95 years, Ruthann enjoyed giving back to the Cheyenne community that she adored. She served on the board for Botanic Gardens and was instrumental in developing the Paul Smith Children’s Village as a tribute to her longtime friend Paul Smith. She also served on the board for Stride Learning Center as well as St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Council.

She is survived by her children Buck, Lisa (Eric), Julie (Kevin), son-in-law Rick, grandchildren Ashlee (TK), Macradee, Kaelee (Cliff), Charlie, Louis (Ashley), Colin, and great grandchildren CeCee, Cash, Cortland, Kalanee, Calan, Otto, and her loyal companion Mugslee. She is preceded in death by her husband Frankie, daughter Debbie, daughter-in-law Mary, brother Jimmy, parents Charles and Mariah, and her cousin Terry Smith who was like a brother to her.

Ruthann’s love for Cheyenne was unmatched, and she couldn’t imagine a more wonderful place to call home. She lived by the motto, “Life is good,” finding joy in each day. A devout Catholic, she cherished the close-knit bond with her “6:45 daily mass groupies” and lived by the lessons of kindness and helpfulness imparted by her brother, who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Her family thanks her incredible caregivers and dear friends Gina John, Jackie Oceanak, Nancy Johnson, Florence Attamay, and the Whitman family who helped provide her with gentle care, companionship, and the ability to remain in her own home that she loved dearly.

Those who wish to contribute in her name can make donations to: The Paul Smith Children’s Village or Stride Learning Center.

Ruthann passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at the Davis Hospice Center August 17, 2024

Bless your buttons, Ruthann. We love you a hundred and a hundred.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 23 at 1:00 pm at St Mary’s Cathedral.