Obituary of Gail Elizabeth Norcross

Gail E. Norcross Newton Funeral Services for Gail E. Norcross of Newton, will be 12 p.m., noon, Thursday, March 19, at the Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton has been entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation with the family will be held from 6 p.m. until 8:00 Wed., March 18, at the funeral home. Memorials in Gail's name may be left at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home. Gail Elizabeth Norcross, 70, the daughter of Oscar and Hazel (Barrett) Palm, was born March 18, 1938 in Elgin, Illinois. Gail was a graduate of the San Fernando High School, Class of 1956. On November 17, 1956, Gail was united in marriage with Russel G. Norcross in Granada Hills, California. Gail and Russel had lived in California from 1956 till 62; and in Bedford, Creston, Adair and Des Moines, prior to moving to Newton in 1970. She attended Des Moines Area Community College, studying in Food Service. She was employed by Skiff Medical Center, Nelson Manor and Jasper County Care Facility, as a Dietician/Cook. She also worked at Thomberts in Newton. Gail was active in her church and attended Community Heights Alliance Church. She devoted her life to her family and friends, enjoyed working with youth programs, and owned and operated Victorian Gifts and Gallery. Gail died on Sunday afternoon, March 15, 2009 at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her parents. Those left to honor Gail's memory include her husband Russel of Newton; her son Larry D. (Tammy) Norcross of Newton; her daughter Bette Gail (David L.) Norcross Wappner of Erlanger, KY; her six grandchildren: Philip Wappner, Leah Norcross, Ellen Wappner, Lauren Norcross, Lucas Norcross and Logan Norcross; her sisters: Margaret (Melvin) Spry of Agua Dulce, CA, Virginia (Donald) Nickles of Long Beach, CA and Christine (Jim) Williams of Ridge Crest, CA; her wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins; and her many great friends.