Ellis Rushton Norton, 96, passed away on January 3rd, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Ellis was born September 29, 1928, in Bennington KS. to Thomas E. Norton and Iva M. (Struble) Norton. He graduated from Salina High School and attended Kansas Wesleyan University.

On July 14, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Leckington. They shared 71 years of marriage before her death on October 19, 2024.

Ellis was a proud veteran of the US Army serving as a sergeant during the Korean War.

For most of his adult life Ellis and his family lived in Salina, KS. His career started with Nabisco in Burlington, Iowa, then to Chicago and finally to South Bend, Indiana. Family obligations called him back to Salina in 1958. He made a career as a terminal manager for Rock Island Motor Transit and then with Graves Truck Line. He retired from USD 305 in 1990.

Ellis had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, but his true passion was for the game of golf and The Elks Country Club, where Ellis served on the Board of Trustees for numerous years. He spent many hours trying to master the game of golf and finally achieved four holes-in-one. In his later years he enjoyed watching all of his grandchildren play the game of golf. He was a sports enthusiast who loved following local and state sports. He especially loved watching women’s basketball, feeling it was more of an authentic version of the game.

Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 2 brothers Bill and Tom Norton, and a sister Ila Weller. He was also Preceded in death by a son Jeffery R. Norton and a son-in-law Rick L. Skidmore.

Survivors include his daughters Jennifer Skidmore (Rick, deceased), Janet Gagna (Joe), and son John Norton (Amy).

He was a proud grandfather of 4 grandchildren. Tyler Skidmore (Katie), Justin Gagna (Caitlyn Niemczyk), Parker Norton (Tatum), and Zoe Norton and one great grandchild Sophie Skidmore

A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Great Life Golf & Fitness.

A memorial has been established with First Tee-Salina in care of Ryan Mortuary 137 N. 8th St., Salina KS. 67401.