Tillie M. Norton-Studler (née Barton), our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 23, 2024, at the age of 84 in Winona, Missouri. A strong woman who faced many challenges with a grit and determination that inspired all who knew her, she not only left a lasting impact on family and friends, but she also left a legacy that forever changed the lives of future generations who encountered the same struggles that she did.
At the tender age of 10, Tillie was diagnosed with Polio. Her physical and emotional battles from that point forward, and her unwavering determination to overcome them, were a true testament to how she lived her life. As she grew into adulthood, after years of facing the cruel and inhumane treatment that often accompanied the harsh realities of those with disabilities at that time, Tillie decided that something desperately needed to be done. In 1977, she journeyed to Washington, D.C., to advocate and fight for equal opportunities for handicapped individuals. In her own words, she made it clear that they were not asking for what she felt many considered to be a “handout”; instead, they were only asking for “equal opportunities and responsibilities as American citizens” and for “a chance to be strong and independent.” Her continued efforts eventually gave way to the establishment of the Three Rivers Sheltered Workshop in West Eminence, where 15 individuals spent productive days building pallets, making braided rugs, sewing quilt tops, and making crafts to be sold. This was just one example of Tillie’s many outstanding accomplishments!
Tillie married the love of her life James “Jim” Norton on February 2, 1957, and together they raised their 3 children, James, Lisa, and Jeffrey, in a warm and happy home that provided countless memories full of love and laughter. Tillie said that although they never had an “official” honeymoon, she and Jim lived their honeymoon every day for 43 years. With a kind heart and a strength of spirit that defied the gravity of her situation, Tillie carefully and lovingly tended her household and instilled in her children the importance of family and hard work that they continue to embody today with their own children and grandchildren.
Tillie was preceded in death by her first husband Jim; her second husband, Jerry McBee; her third husband, Hilman Studler; her parents, Lufton and Gladys Barton; her son, Jeffrey; her sisters, Sherry Haeffner and Anna Stephens; and her brother, Denny Barton.
Her surviving family includes her son, James; her daughter, Lisa (Randy) Bland; her grandchildren, Justin (Stephanie) Bland, Jessica (Justin) Tune, Ashley (Cody) Combs, and Jason Norton; her great-grandchildren, Carson Bland (Kiley Cowen), Ethan Bland, Parker Tune, Reed Tune, Graham Tune, Harper Bland, Krew Bowden, Leighton Bowden, and Cooper Combs; a special niece, Cam-Lien; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.
There is no way to put into words, how much she meant to us. She was the heart of our home and family. She lived a long life, full of wonderful experiences that made her the extraordinary woman she was. She faced every challenge with courage and dignity that will forever be remembered by all of us. To say that we will always love and miss her is simply not enough.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri, with Bro. Garry Reagan officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Pine Lawn Cemetery, Winona, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
