Maribeth Ann (Norris) Mies, 70, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2021, at her home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida surrounded by her husband Tom and son Andy.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held in Florida and funeral mass with burial at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Fairbury, IL at a later date.
Maribeth was born to Elwin Norman Norris and Ethel Leonada (Baser) Norris on Saturday, May 12, 1951 at Highland Park, Michigan. She spent her formative years in the Detroit area before her father was transferred to Illinois when she was 16. She is a 1969 graduate of Fairbury-Cropsey High School and continued to further her education by pursuing career and personal courses throughout her adult years.
After spending many years in the Chicago area, she returned to Fairbury, IL where, on March 10, 2000, she married the love of her life and best friend, Tom Mies. They were blessed with over 21 years together. He survives her. Tom and Maribeth moved to Florida in 2019 to spend their retirement years in the sunshine and explore new adventures.
She spent over 20 fulfilling years in the magazine publishing industry while in the Chicago area. After moving to Fairbury, she worked for State Farm Insurance Company. After retirement, Maribeth volunteered for the American Red Cross assisting with local events, traveling to natural disasters around the country, and became a trainer for disaster classes.
Maribeth is survived by her husband, Tom Mies, New Smyrna Beach, FL; son, Andrew Ward, Orlando, FL; three step-children, Kelly (Brent) Honegger, Fairbury, IL; Kim (Jesse) Cusac, Heyworth, IL; Scott (Barb) Mies; Naperville, IL; 9 precious grandchildren and 1 great grandson; 2 brothers, Gary Norris (Gail) Fairbury, IL; Roger Norris, Canton, GA; nephews, nieces, several special great nephews, cousins, aunt, uncles and lifelong friends. Her parents and son, Chuck Ward, preceded her in death.
Maribeth was always looking for new adventures and challenges. She enjoyed travel, was a lifelong baseball fan of both the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs, and believed there was good in everyone she met. Her faith in God was her strength.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to a favorite charity or to one that fosters the well-being of children or animals.
