Norma Louise McKneelen

Norma (Christeson) was born a twin on a farm outside Ottawa, Kansas on September 3, 1925. At the time, the doctor didn't expect the girls to live 6 months. Norma was so happy to prove him wrong and happy to celebrate her 99th birthday with her twin sister last September.

Norma married the love of her life, Jim McKneelen, on February 19, 1956. They were lifelong residents of Belton; and members of the Belton Christian Church where Norma enjoyed singing in the choir over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Jim; her parents, Clara and Plesey Christeson; her brother, Bill Christeson and wife, Catherine; her sister, Elaine McGhee and husband, Jim; brother-in-law, Floyd Collins; and brother and sister-in-law, Virgil and Verda Gibson.

Norma is survived by her twin sister, Naoma Collins. The twins lived across the hall from one another the last couple years in the Beautiful Savior Assisted Living facility. Norma is also survived by many nieces and nephews, friends and family; and will be sincerely missed, while knowing she was ready to meet the Lord.

Norma was proud of the fact that she worked for two weeks in the San Francisco shipyards doing payroll. She worked for Kansas City Southern Railroad for 13 years as a voucher clerk and payroll assistant. After marriage, she attended Keypunch school and did payroll for all of John Deere's dealers, including cross-checking the tape with the Treasury Department. Later, she cared for her Father who lived with her and Jim.

Jim was a Mason for over 50 years and Past Potentate "Master" Shriner. Norma was proud to support Jim in this undertaking, especially his work with the Shriner's Circus. Their family home was sold to Belton Animal Clinic and dedicated to Norma and Jim.

The family is so grateful for the loving care and concern Norma received by the staff at Beautiful Savior, Good Shepherd Hospice and in previous years Carnegie Independent Living.

Norma's life will be celebrated at 10:00 am Thursday, May 1, 2025, with a graveside service at Belton Cemetery (710 S. Scott Ave, Belton, Mo) provided by McGilley Funeral Chapel, officiated by Pastor Louie Lowe of Belton Christian Church and music provided by Merlyn Teigen.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Norma's memory to:

Belton Christian Church

409 Airway Lane

Belton, Missouri 64012

Phone: 816-331-6440