She is preceded in death by her parents William and Mary Whightsil, brother Lawrence (Tuddy) Whitghtsil, sisters Gayle Sweeny and Peggy Brault, husbands John Fries and Glenn Tuttle, and sons William and Arthur Tuttle.
She was born July 1, 1925 in Piper City, Illinois to William and Mary Whightsil. In 1942, Norma married John Fries and they had a daughter, Andrea Cody, in 1944. After the death of John in World War II, she married Glenn Tuttle in 1944 and had 3 sons; Leroy Tuttle Sr., William (Diana) Tuttle, and Arthur Tuttle.
Norma and Glenn went on to own and operate many businesses in Arizona. Notably, The Treasure Shack in Tempe, Arizona and The Miner’s Camp Café in Yuma, Arizona. She strived to be the best wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and mentor. Her loving and spirited personality drew so many people to her life.
After retirement Norma became involved with the Yuma Art Community, being a founding member of the Mountain Shadows and Desert Artist groups, and helped establish many art galleries in town. She enjoyed being the superintendent of the Yuma Fine Arts for the Yuma County Fair which extended into her late 80’s. In 2015, she was honored with The Tribute of the Muse Award. Norma also had a love of bingo, golf, and the occasional trip to the casino.
Norma is survived by her half-brother Gene Goldsby, daughter Andrea Cody, son Leroy Tuttle Sr., 12 grandchildren; Danny (Cindy) Dye, Jo (David) Runyon, Scott Lemanski, Tina (Derrick) Teeters, Leroy (Darsi) Tuttle Jr., Michelle (Robert) Hall, Jeff Tuttle, Josie (Troy) Trimnal, Wendy (Scotty) Prince, Dominic Tuttle, David Phelps Jr. and Jill (Jeffery) Booth. She is also known simply as “Great” to 36 great grandchildren, 27 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Norma was blessed with a huge group of extended family, artist family and countless friends locally and across the country.
The family of Norma extends a sincere thank you to the staff of Southwest Palliative Care and Hospice for their loving care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to a local High School Art Program in Norma’s name.
Johnson Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Viewing will be held on Thursday, 4/4/2019, from 4pm – 8pm and a Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, 4/5/19, from 11am – 1pm.
Pallbearers will be Scott Lemanski, Leroy Tuttle, Jeff Tuttle, Christopher Lee, Doug Goins, Troy Trimnal and Honorary Pallbearers; David Phelps Jr., Dominic Tuttle, David Runyon, Derrick Teeters, Robert Hall, Scotty Prince, and Jeff Booth.
