Erleen Rae (Reneberg) Norris, 88, passed away on Tuesday August 4, 2026 surrounded by love. She was born on May 14, 1938, in Kensington, Kansas, to Earl and Berniece (James) Reneberg. Raised on the family farm alongside her older brothers, Norman and Gordon, Erleen grew up with a strong work ethic, deep faith, and a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts.

A proud graduate of Kensington High School, Class of 1956, Erleen continued her education at Wichita State University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music. Her love of music shaped her life and became one of the many gifts she shared generously with others.

On March 22, 1964, Erleen married the love of her life, Floyd Gene Norris, at the First Christian Church in Kensington. Their nearly 45 years of marriage were filled with devotion, partnership, and joy. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith, welcoming their son, Michael James, in 1969, and their daughter, Michele Renee’, in 1978.

The Norris family made their home in Sacramento, California, before moving to Alderson, Oklahoma in 1981 to be closer to relatives. Erleen worked as a Bookkeeper and Office Manager for Diamond Sports in McAlester, Oklahoma, where her reliability and kindness made her a valued part of the community.

Erleen lived a life of service. She was a Den Mother for her son’s Boy Scout troop, taught Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church, gave piano lessons to neighborhood children, and still found time to explore her creativity through ceramics, playing the piano and art. Music, travel, and artistic expression were central to her life, and she encouraged these passions in her children and grandson.

She loved to travel, to learn, and to stay connected to the arts. Her life was a tapestry of music, color, and compassion.

Erleen was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Norman and Gordon; her beloved husband, Floyd; and her son, Michael.

She is survived by her daughter, Michele (Norris) Provost, son-in-law Jim Provost, and her cherished grandson, Jamie Provost, all of Carter Lake, Iowa.

Erleen will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her creativity, her devotion to family, and the music she carried in her heart.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, with Pastor Becky Saddler officiating. Burial will follow at Germantown Cemetery, Smith County, Kansas.

Friends and relatives may sign the book on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Erleen Norris Memorial Fund.