Sept. 22, 1932 – July 26, 2026

Norma Darlene Ellis, broker and cofounder of Ellis Realty and a former president of the Crescenta-Cañada Board of Realtors, died peacefully at her home with family on Sunday, July 26. 

Born on a farm in Prescott, Iowa on Sept. 22, 1932, Norma Darlene Krisinger was the only child of farmers Harry and Dorothy Krisinger. Self taught on the accordion, Norma was playing at social events and on local radio by age 6. Not particularly fond of rugged farm life without electricity or running water, Norma was delighted when her family moved to town when she was 12. In Creston, Iowa (population 8,000), Norma was ecstatic to have kids her own age to socialize and play with.

Norma married Dallas Roberts and her daughter Vicki Lynn Roberts was born in August 1951. After divorce, Norma completed schooling and received a scholarship to junior college. 

On a summer trip to Los Angeles with her father in 1953 she met her future husband Danny Ellis. She returned to Creston but Dan’s persistence won out and she returned to Los Angeles. They were married on July 3, 1954. Sons Tim and Rick were born in 1958 and 1963. 

In the 1960s Norma reluctantly got a real estate sales license and eventually a broker’s license to help her husband’s new business venture Ellis Realty. She answered the business line, which rang at home, to help keep the business going while tending to her young children. She discovered her love of real estate and her friendly smile and love of people was the wind in the sails as Ellis Realty, which eventually grew to five offices. After five and half decades, Norma sold Ellis Realty in 2016 to longtime friends and competitors Dilbeck Realtors. 

A pioneer in real estate since the 1960s, Norma, the “Boss Lady,” left a legacy of love and community. She was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2019 from the Pasadena-Foothill Association of Realtors. 

Her grandchildren Elizabeth and Nicholas were the sunshine in grandma Norma’s eyes. She enjoyed singing with her family and could still magically find her way around the accordion. She cherished her family and many longtime friends.

She survived the loss of her husband Dan in 1993 and daughter Vicki in 2020. Norma is survived by her sons Timothy Ellis, Rick Ellis, daughter-in-law Joanne Ellis, and grandchildren Elizabeth and Nicholas. 

Norma and her wonderful smile will be missed by all who knew her. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Habitat for Humanity.

A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose. Memorial funeral service will be on Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose followed by burial at Forest Lawn Glendale.