Norene B. Elliott, 90, died on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.

Norene was born April 6, 1926 in Primghar, Iowa to Arthur and Isoline Anderson. She was one of five children.

She graduated from Cornell College with a degree in Music Education in 1947 where she also met and married Leighton E. Rickert of Clinton, Iowa.  They lived in Austin, Minnesota where they had three children. Leighton, a teacher, died in 1958. Norene returned to school at Winona State University for a further degree in Elementary Education. She taught kindergarten in Austin and also, with others, opened a store featuring art and handmade gifts. In 1961 she married James C. Elliott. They resided in Austin where James managed a Red Owl Grocery and where they had a child. They moved to Rochester, Minnesota in 1969. There they built a house and acquired several gas stations and income properties. Norene, together with several other Rochester women, opened a knitting store and taught courses in knitting, rug hooking and other sewing techniques.

She, together with Hjordy Mlinar of Austin, organized and lead annual tours to New York City. She was a member of United Methodist Women, P.E.O., and Rochester Area Rug Hookers.

She is survived by Chad Elliott of Minnieska, Minnesota, David Elliott (Lisa, and their daughters Taylor and Whitney) of Rochester, Paula Elliott (James Burgess) of New York, New York, Tod Elliott (and his daughters Clair and Emmy) of Portland, Oregon and Gordon Elliott (Beverly and their sons) of Pittsburg, Kansas.

The funeral for Norene will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, in the Memorial Chapel at Christ United Methodist Church with Pastor Katy Lee officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery of Rochester. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the Memorial Chapel.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.