Norman Archey

Norman Joseph Archey passed away on February 27, 2025 at the age 93 in Milford, Utah. He was born on May 4, 1932 to Marie A. Archey/Wells and George D. Archey in St. Ignatius, Montana. He grew up one of seven children, two brothers and four sisters. His parents divorced at some point in his early youth which made it difficult for his mother to take care of seven children, which resulted in himself and several siblings being placed in an orphans home for a period of time until she was able to get back on her feet. They were all reunited and grew up in Great Falls, Montana. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1950. He married the love of his life Carol Jean Kenyon on August 10,1952 in Great Falls, Montana. They had three children, Terry Joseph Archey born February 9, 1955 and Carla Jean Archey Born February 27,1956 both in Great Falls, Montana, Cheryl Joy Archey was born October 12,1960 in Salinas, California.
He started his life-time career as an Ironworker, working on the Kodak building in Montana shortly out of high school. This career took him from Montana to up and down the state of California. He worked on practically every bridge, multiple buildings, dams in the Northern part of the state including things like the Glory Hole in Whiskeytown. They made their forever home in Redding, California in 1960.
He was active in 4-H as a leader in woodworking. He also was the swine leader whereas he raised and sold pigs to the 4-H'ers. He then taught the kids how to feed and show the pigs at local fairs. He loved to hunt and fish. He also was a rockhound. On a trip to Montana, he brought back five gallon buckets of small rocks, which he looked through for days looking for garnets and agates. But his most favorite hobby of all was gardening. He started gardening at a young age to help his mom feed his brothers and sisters. It was his all time favorite thing to do and he was darn good at it. He raised the best tomatoes in Shasta County all 300 plus plants each year. He sold his produce for.50 cents a pound then raised it to $1.00 a pound a few years ago. He always said it wasn't about the money, it was the friendships of his customers. His tomatoes will be missed as much as he will. There was not too much this man could not do.
He loved his family and friends fiercely. In the last few months, he was able to go to Utah and spend some quality time with both his daughter, Cheryl (Glen) Dearden and his granddaughter, Cailtin (Justin) Farnsworth with their 4 children on the ranch. He was also visited by his granddaughter Chelsey (Lindsay) Whitehead along with their 2 children, Callie (Tyrell) Rich along with their 3 children.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years Carol J. Archey, his son Terry J. Archey. His parents George D. Archey and Marie & Tony Wells. His brothers Emerson (Betty) Archey, Edwin (Jeanette) Archey. His sisters Ardella (Larry) Forman, Georgia (Ollie) Moe, Helen (Johnny) Brodigan, Dixie (Rudy) Rudisell.
He is survived by his loving daughters Carla (Bob) Myers and Cheryl (Glen) Dearden. His Grandchildren Cheri (Riece) Moyer, Dusty (Kevin) Steele, Scott (Kim) Myers, Chelsey (Lindsay) Whitehead, Caitlin (Justin) Farnsworth, Callie (Tyrell) Rich, 16 Great Grandchildren, Multiple nieces and nephews. He will be so very missed by us all! There will be no service as per his wishes. Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.