Obituary | Norris & Greenway

Carl Norris

January 20, 1935 ~ February 16, 2022 The team roping world has lost another legend. It is with sadness we share the news that Carl Norris, 87 years old, of Fallon, Nevada passed away Feb.

16, 2022. He died peacefully at home with his loving wife of 50 years, Lynda Lamb Norris by his side. He is also survived by his daughters, Mary Ellen Norris and Terri Campbell and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carl will be missed by his family and so many friends, especially his old partner, Joe Riggs, who counted Carl as his best friend for life. Carl was a champion heeler, master silversmith, horse trailer manufacturer and an astute businessman. He won the IRA champion heeler award in 1962, being the first team roper to win the award. He won roping events for many years, competing mainly in the west. Carl always opted to rope close to home so he could concentrate on his business dealings. Carl successfully owned and operated Custom Trailers, selling horse and cattle trailers all over the country. Custom Trailers was the longest running trailer dealership in Nevada. He was instrumental in helping Bud Corwin start B & C Trailers in Manteca, CA and helping Joe Riggs start The Trailer Mart in Bakersfield, CA. Carl and Joe were not only roping partners but were also partners in many adventures in their sixty six year friendship. Their only losing business was their first endeavor, selling Christmas trees in Reno & Carson City in 1956. Both decided there must be a better way to make money, since they didn't break even and never tried that again. Carl had many friends in the roping world. He loved roping at Oakdale and playing pitch with the guys. Leo always said as he entered a pitch game with Carl and Joe, "I wonder if I should even be playing cards with you two!" Carl traveled with a lively group of ropers, Joe, Herb Ingersoll & Sonny Blevins. Things were never dull and the memories were treasured and rehashed over and over. Mike Beers still laughs when he tells the story of overhearing Joe say to Carl after backing in the box at Winnemucca, "Carl where do you want me to stand this steer while you coil up?" Carl had coiled up on the 1st steer and roped the 2nd clean to win the roping! Carl was one of the greatest silversmiths and engravers of all time. He loved helping others learn the craft. If you are lucky enough to have a buckle, money clip, bracelet or cross made by Carl, you have a real treasure. His was the end of an era for crafting handmade silver work. A roping was enjoyed by Carl's friends the day his Celebration of Life was held at the Rafter C3 Steers (provided by Tommy Lee, managed by the Lees). Look for the story and photos of that Roping in the next issue of this magazine.

Marilynn Joyce Roper Greenway

November 13, 1934 ~ November 23, 2021

Marilynn Joyce Roper Greenway, 87, of Caldwell, Idaho, wife of Alan Greenway of Greenway Seeds, died of a sudden illness on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell.

Marilynn was born in Wray, Colorado, on November 13, 1934 to Jesse and Myrtle Spellman, and later moved to a small acreage outside of Wilder, Idaho. Marilynn attended school in Wilder in the Wilder School District graduating in the Class of 1953. Marilynn is survived by her husband Alan Greenway of Caldwell; her three children: Mick (Leigh) Richards of Caldwell, Nancy Stroebel of Joseph, Oregon and Sheri Richards of Caldwell. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Marilynn married Jim Richards after graduating from high school. She later divorced and married Edgel Roper in Wilder and was later widowed. On April 15, 2003 there was a chance meeting between mom and Alan Greenway. Alan held the door open for mom as they entered a country jam session in Adrian, Oregon. It was later learned that Mom timed her entry to coincide with Alan’s entry. This began a new relationship that lasted 19 years. They traveled through 3/4 of the states, visited Alaska annually, traveled to Canada, the Baja and Costa Rica. They pulled together during the tough times and enjoyed life during the good times. Alan said, “It was a very good run, and I couldn’t have lucked out with a better companion. And thus it was ever so!” Marilynn’s three children were always her priority, she chose to stay home and raise her children and was the best Mother they could have ever hoped for. After her children were older Marilynn decided to seek work and got a job with the Wilder School District, later working for the Morfitts grocery store in Wilder then later worked for JC Watsons in Homedale, Idaho where she later retired. Marilynn loved to do the crossword puzzle daily from the local newspaper and religiously wrote in her diary daily for many years. She had a passion for interior decorating and became quite good at it. She also enjoyed playing the card game solitaire which she called “old Sol” and she kept a running tally of her scores for years. Marilynn enjoyed having her children and grandchildren visit. She would cook and bake for them; no one ever left her house hungry! We looked forward to the homemade Christmas candy she made for each of us at Christmas every year. Marilynn loved to shop at various thrift shops looking for a bargain and she almost always found one! Marilynn was a very selfless person, always kind and loving, always thinking of her family. She was always there when one of us needed her and has always been an important part of our family; she was our rock, our center and she will be greatly missed by us all. Marilynn was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Myrtle Spellman of Wilder, Idaho; her three older sisters, Ruby Knight, Lois Hall and Olive Detweiler, and her grandson, Tracy Stoebel.