Norine Banfill
April 14, 1932 – May 17, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Norine Banfill, aged 93, of Rio Dell, who passed away on May 17, 2025.

Norine was born to Edwin Berg and Ethel Gardner on April 14, 1932, in Eckelson, North Dakota. Norine was one of three children. The family later moved to San Jose, for work. Norine graduated from high school there and attended a business college. Later, she relocated to Southern Humboldt County.

Norine married William Cherry in 1953, and they had four boys: David, Patrick, Eric and Bruce. After a divorce, Norine married Ralph Banfill in 1978, and the two enjoyed a happy life together until Ralph’s passing in 2009.

Norine was known first and foremost for her dedication to her God, Jehovah, and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 23, 1960. She spent over 50 years in full-time volunteer service and made a lasting impact on those she shared her Bible-based faith with, as well as the friends who worked with her. Besides serving throughout Humboldt and Lake Counties, she also spent a short time in volunteer work in Mexico. In 1989, she traveled to Poland for an International Convention with her pioneer partner, Rose. She also attended an International Convention in Canada.

All who knew Norine appreciated her sharp sense of humor, kindness, and devotion to her worldwide family. Norine was an avid reader and diligent student and teacher of God’s Word, the Bible.

Norine was preceded in death by her parents, sister Arlene, brother Edward (Sonny) Jr., sons David and Bruce, stepson Michael Banfill (Delynn), grandson Chris Banfill, and her husband Ralph.

Norine is survived by her brother Steve Biggers and wife Brenda; her sons from her first marriage: Patrick Cherry and Eric Cherry; stepsons: Clifford and Raymond (Linda) Banfill; grandchildren Erica Thompson (Shawn), Leah Nunes (Michell), Shawn Cherry (Miranda), Veronica Cherry, Dana Cherry, Nicholas Banfill, Trent, Cory Banfill, Kennedy, and Canon Banfill; great grandchildren Nanice Ford-Thompson (Shilo), Peyton and Paige Cherry, Michael and Caleb Thompson, and Archer and Mason Banfill; plus, her great grandchild little Marlo Mae Martin-Ford.

The family would like to thank PACE for all their care and services over the past four years, as well as the personnel and staff of Redwood Memorial and St Joseph Hospitals. Sincere thanks to the care and support of Hospice of Humboldt and the continual, faithful support of loving friends over many, many years.

A memorial will be at 2 p.m. on June 14, 2025, at the Fortuna Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (1475 Ross Hill Road, Fortuna, CA). There will be Zoom access for those who are not able to attend in person.

Norine will be dearly missed by her friends and family, but we look forward to seeing her again in the New World where “death will be no more” (Revelation 21:3,4).

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Norine Banfill’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.