Normalea (Norma) Burris Pitt

Our amazing Mother and Grandmother, Normalea (Norma) Burris Pitt was reunited with her loved ones on March 12,2023. Norma was living at the Our House apartments in Tooele at the time of her passing, surrounded by her family.

Norma was born on October 4th, 1928, to Jennings Bryan Burris and Leota Marie Brodock Burris in Arkansas City, Kansas. Her mother passed away when she was a young girl, and her family moved to Oklahoma, then later to Winfield, Kansas where she grew up on a wheat farm. While living there, she met her sweetheart Carl W. Pitt who proposed to her at the Winfield Park. They were married on New Years Eve, 1945 and looked forward to celebrating their anniversary each year. They thenmoved to Colorado Springs, CO, and then to Tooele, UT where they decided to put down their roots and raise a family. Tooele became home, and is where they raised 3 children, Lonnie(Roxanne), Bradley, and Carla (Paul).

They decided to start an auto shop together in Tooele called Pitts RV after Carl retired from the Tooele Army Depot, where they did vehicle repairs, sold cars, and sold RV’s. They spent many years working together, and Norma even continued working in the shop with her grandson after her husband, Carl passed away in 2006. Many remember seeing her beautiful face and having great conversations with her as she helped with vehicle inspections, and the daily front office work. She loved visiting with people and to her it never did feel like work, and she looked forward to it each day (unless she was golfing).

She was a very talented woman in almost every aspect of her life, especially golf! She was a beautiful golfer and won many tournaments throughout her life. She loved playing golf with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She had such a strong game that her son Lonnie nicknamed her “The Legend” because she was such an amazing golfer. Even off the golf course she became Legendary around town. She formed many friendships over the years and treasured each of her friends dearly, whether they were lifelong or friends she just met, she cared about each and every one of them. She was such a giving person, and anyone she dealt with in the community will remember her hand knitted and crocheted gifts, and her famous boxes of treats “Southern Black Balls”. She was so generous and loved giving to others unselfishly. 

She always wanted to look her best and was so beautiful inside and out. She didn’t go anywhere unless she spent some time getting “dolled up” and looking perfect, even if it was just to get the mail!

Norma’s love for sports began at a young age while spending time with her dad. As a little girl, some of her best memories were watching her dad “Bones” Burris play baseball, andlistening to game broadcasts on the radio with him. Norma had a love for sports, specifically watching basketball and the Utah Jazz. She rarely missed watching a Jazz game and enjoyed going to the games with her daughter Carla.

She especially loved her children and loved having so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Watching them grow upwas her pride and joy, whether they lived close or far, she always tried to make sure each of them knew how proud she was of them. No matter what type of activity they were involved with, she always loved watching her “stars of the team”. You could find her at nearly any dance competition, golf match, baseball game, cheerleading, soccer, tennis, hockey, basketball (even football and wrestling, and was scared each and every minute hoping they weren’t going to get hurt!). You could see her at school graduations, piano recitals, and theater performances. No matter what the event, you would see her there if one of her children or grandchildren were playing. She was so proud of every one of them and all of their own talents, she truly was their biggest fan. She is a well-known face across the state of Utah and Idaho to many that were able to meet her while watching her grandchildren play in softball, baseball, golf tournaments and various other events that they were involved in. She always seemed to have a better eye for balls and strikes than the home plate umpire, and was never afraid to let them know it!

At the young age of 90, Norma made the decision to be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A great joy for her was being sealed to her sweetheart Carl, her parents, and her children a year later at the Jordan River Temple.

Towards the end of her life Norma stayed at the Rocky Mountain Care Facility, Willow Springs in Tooele, then at Our House in Tooele being cared for by Atlas Hospice Care. She loved the care and kindness that the people at each of these facilities showed her and made many friends along the way. It was amazing to see what an impact she had on so many people in such short of a time period, but that’s how special of a person Norma was. They took such wonderful care of her through the end of her life, and we know how thankful she was to have so many people that cared for her. Thank you to all of those that cared for her at Rocky Mountain Willow Springs, Our House, and to Jordan at Atlas Hospice Care. We truly appreciate what you were able to do for her to enjoy her last months of life.

Thank you to each and everyone that loved her and made her life so wonderful in her 94 years on this earth. You made an impact not only to her, but to her family, and it is truly appreciated.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treated her son/daughter-in-laws, grandson/granddaughter-in-laws just as if they were her own children. She truly is legendary and will be missed by many. Thank you to all of those that made an impact in her life, it is truly appreciated.

A viewing will be held on Monday March 20th, 2023 from 10am-Noon at the Tooele 17th Ward Church

Located at 132 North 570 East, Tooele, UT 84074

After the viewing, a graveside tribute for family and close friends will follow. Burial will be at the Tooele City Cemetery.

There is one last thing that we want to tell you Grandma. We love you more, we win!