Eloise Norene Baldridge

Eloise “Norene” Baldridge passed away in McKinney, Texas on September 9, 2014 with family. She has gone to her heavenly home to join our Lord, as well as her husband, Ed, of 46 years, 2 daughters, parents, siblings, family, and friends.

Norene was a long-time resident of Amarillo, Texas prior to her move to McKinney six years ago. She hailed from one of the original families that settled Amarillo - the Plemons. She lived a full life spanning 100 years. For her 100th birthday in March, Norene was acknowledged not only by family and friends, but by President George W Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Representative Scott Sanford, the Mayor and City Council of McKinney, and her church home, Genesis Church. The outpouring of attention was extremely special.

Across her 100 years, she saw many advancements in technology, transportation, appliances, and indoor plumbing. The invention of the microwave may have been one of her favorite things. Norene knew what it meant to work hard - not retiring until her 70’s as an office manager. Her experience spanned not only the secular workforce with a concentration in accounting, but also farming and ranching. Although she worked most of her adult life, she understood the value of quality time with her family. She is fondly remembered for playing cards, board games, and working puzzles with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a talented seamstress, knew how to crochet, and spent hours working with plastic canvas.

Norene ignited an interest in her grandchildren to make crafts. She was a problem-solver, listener, protector, and she was loving. Norene enjoyed traveling and continued to travel until last month. Her travels took her to Europe, Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and across the United States. Norene and her husband, Ed Baldridge, traveled quite a bit in their motor home or with a travel trailer. She reveled in the landscape, especially the mountains and trees.

Norene took great pleasure in listening to music, especially gospel, and in her younger days knew how to “cut a rug”. She loved her family dearly, but was more so loved by her family. We will miss her.

She is survived by her son Jim Adrian, her daughter and husband and their sons, Debra, Monty, John and Sean Bilberry, her son Don Baldridge and his children, her nephew Gene Plemons and his sons, her grandchildren, Stephanie Adrian, Benjamin Adrian, Michael Clark, Kristina Clark, and great-grandchildren. Stonebriar Funeral Home will provide services at Genesis Church in McKinney at 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 13th with Pastor Charlie Tuttle officiating. Graveside service and interment by Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors at 11:00 am, Monday, September 17th at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo. Arrangements under the direction of Stonebriar Funeral Home, Frisco, TX.