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Memorial services for Valery Norton, 69, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Bedford, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Methodist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Inurnment will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials may be directed towards the family to be established in Valery’s honor.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Valery Lynn Norton, 69, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully Jan. 29, 2026, surrounded by her daughter Jaylene and son-in-law Scott Clausen.
Valery was born Feb. 25, 1956, in Maryville, Missouri. She was the only daughter of four children born to doctors William and Kathryn Harris of Bedford. Valery was raised in Bedford with her three brothers: Dennis, Dan and Dean. Some of her fondest memories growing up were how the entire family worked at the Lake of Three Fires running the boat rentals, concessions and lifeguarding. Although everyone moved away, Bedford was always home to Valery. She spoke fondly of Bedford even her last day on this earth with us.
Valery married Jay Norton of Lenox, Oct. 18, 1973. She gave birth to their only daughter, Jaylene, May 18, 1974. On Valery’s high school graduation day, instead of receiving her diploma she was welcoming her daughter into the world. Everyone clapped and cheered when the news was announced at the graduation ceremony. Valery and Jay did not stay married long. Valery raised Jaylene as a single mom with the help of her parents in Bedford.
Valery had a variety of jobs throughout her life that included optometrist office assistant, postal worker and call center operator supporting veterans. She achieved her associate’s degree in accounting from Southwestern Community College in Creston. Valery’s most important role was being a grandma to her three grandchildren: Zachary Davis (27), Noah Davis (25) and Emma Davis (18), all of Phoenix. Her grandchildren brought her so much joy and love. Her final days she was able to spend time with each of them holding hands and saying how much they loved each other.
Valery did not stay long in Bedford once her first grandson was born. She moved in 1999 to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be closer to her family. Soon her second grandson was born and she enjoyed spending time watching them grow. Valery became a grandma a third time with her first granddaughter, Emma, in 2007. Valery moved to Phoenix in 2008 to follow her family once they relocated.
Valery’s final days on earth were spent at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by her family and the care of the excellent doctors and nurses. Valery was visited by the hospital Methodist Deacon who she shared stories of the Methodist church in Bedford and her unwavering love for Jesus with. She jokingly shared she didn’t go to church often when she was a young adult because she didn’t have the right clothing for service. Shortly after the deacon visited Valery began to waiver. Her daughter Jaylene grabbed her hand and recited the Lord’s Prayer while Valery took her final breath.
Through it all, Valery remained a beloved mom, grandma and sister. She will be remembered for her free spirit, drumming to her own beat and the love she carried for her family. Valery was welcomed to heaven by her parents, Doc and Katie; her brothers, Dan and Dean and her beloved golden retriever Rusty.
Valery is survived by her daughter Jaylene Clausen and son-in-law Scott Clausen of Phoenix; her grandchildren: Zachary, Noah and Emma; her brother and sister-in-law, Doctor Dennis Harris and Cindy Harris of Topeka, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.