Norm Woods

Norm Woods had his last tee time at 12:48 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 surrounded at home by his family and friends. A celebration of Norm’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 in the Teanaway Hall at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds.

Norm was born on April 15, 1951 in Ellensburg to Robert “Bob” & Norma (Wareham) Woods.  He was named after his mother, Norma, and his sister Roberta was named after their father, Robert.  Norm was a lifelong resident of Ellensburg and a member of the Ellensburg High School Class of 1969.  After high school, Norm attended Washington State University but, since bowling wasn’t a major that was offered, he finished up his college education at Yakima Valley College.

In 1972, Norm joined the family business - Woods Hardware in downtown Ellensburg - following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.  He proudly served Kittitas County as “The Helpful Hardware Man” for more than 50 years.  In September 2022, Norm, along with his cousin and business partner Johnny Woods, decided to retire and sold the hardware store.

Norm also followed in his dad’s footsteps when it came to participating in the Elks Lodge, serving as Exalted Ruler twice, with his father installing him the first time in 1980.  He also enjoyed the annual road trips to Reno with his dad and friends.

In 1976, Norm’s first son, Kory, was born from a previous marriage.  In 1979, Norm married the love of his life, Sharleen Warner, in Reno, Nevada.  In February of 1982, they welcomed son, Ryan.  Norm and Sharleen enjoyed almost 44 years of marriage, during which they would take annual trips to Florida where Norm would golf and Sharleen would shop.  They were so looking forward to traveling, golfing, sightseeing and visiting with family and friends during retirement.

When he wasn’t working, golf was Norm’s passion, earning the nickname “Sliver” Woods.  You could always locate him easily at golf tournaments because he was the only one wearing color coordinated knicker outfits.  He loved playing in tournaments with his golf buddies, but really enjoyed the annual “Ryderless Cup” - a rivalry between the east and west sides of the mountain. Norm’s favorite golf course was Bayhill in Florida where Arnold Palmer once bought him a drink.  We think Norm already has a game lined up with Arnie and his favorite player, Payne Stewart.  Norm is now in a much better place with a much lower handicap!

Norm was preceded in death by his infant son, Jason, in 1980; parents Bob & Norma Woods; grandparents Robert G. & Ora Woods, and grandmother Ada Wareham.

Norm is survived by his wife, Sharleen; sons Kory (Jamie) Woods and Ryan (Tricia) Woods; granddaughters Kaylie, Alexa and RaeAnn; sister Roberta “Bobbie” (Sam) Rockwell; nephew Drew (Perisha) Rockwell; great-niece Mia and great-nephew Colton; sisters-in-law Shirley (Larry) Sadler and Shellie Snyder; as well as additional nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Memorial contributions in Norm’s honor are suggested to KVH Hospice, 1506 Radio Road, Ellensburg.  The family wishes to express their appreciation to the surgical staff at Virginia Mason - Seattle, KVH Hospice, Dr. Kevin Martin, Norm’s golf buddies as well as all of our family and friends who have supported us through Norm’s valiant fight to the end.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Norm and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com

PLEASE NOTE: (January 11, 2024) -- The recording of this service has been archived and removed from our server.  If you wish to obtain a copy of this recording on a thumb drive, please contact our office.