Norma Gertrude Maddox

She was born Norma Gertrude West on October 20, 1928 to Bill West and Hazel (nee’ Dorrell) in Kansas City, Kansas. The love of her family was always the most important thing in Norma’s life. She was extremely close to her mother and a multitude of aunts and uncles on her mother’s side. Her three sisters: Wilma, Maxine and Louise were her best friends throughout her life and they often lived close to each other, sometimes even on different floors of the same house. Being so close frequently meant that their children had the benefit of multiple “mothers.” Her mother Hazel and all of the women in her life had a wicked sense of humor and Norma was no exception. Although she could be mischievous and play pranks, she was kind to everyone she met and generous to a fault.

Norma married Roy Hempy on February 1, 1947 after she saw him on the street in his Navy uniform and attracted his attention with a wolf whistle! Roy became a Civil Engineer and he and Norma had three children: Linda, Rick and Jan. Norma was always deeply involved in the lives of her children and was the “mom everybody loved”. Their house was frequently the gathering place of relatives, neighbors and all of their children’s friends.

In 1975, Norma attended Licensed Practical Nurses training with her sister Wilma and her daughter Jan. Norma graduated at the top of her class, receiving academic honors in the program.

Norma married Marvin Maddox in 1982 and remained married to him until his death in 2015.

Norma was also preceded in death by her cherished parents and sisters and her beloved children, Linda in 2011 and Rick in 2023, who is survived by his wife Gayle.

Norma is survived by her daughter Jan (David), who feels blessed to have had so many wonderful years of her mom being her biggest fan. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren; Jackie, Britt, Debbie, Kelly, Carrie, Jimmy, Cindi and Kendall; 18 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.

The Celebration of Life will be held at Newcomer’s White Chapel, 6600 NE Antioch on Saturday, November 25th beginning at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow at the same location. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Norma’s wonderful life.

Norma was an incredible animal lover and the family requests donations to the Raymore, Missouri Animal Shelter, in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to thank the staff at Tiffany Springs Senior Living and Faith Hospice, especially Kevin and Kandi for their care of our mother and grandmother.