Nora Viola Mansfield

Nora was born on February 16, 1923, in Colony, Oklahoma to Jake Klaassen and Sara Thiessen. She grew up in Corn, Oklahoma but lived most of her life in Clinton, Oklahoma. She later moved to Amarillo, Texas to live closer to her daughter, Sharon, in December of 1998.

From the years of 1955 to 1982, Nora spent most of her career working as a waitress and she truly loved every single minute of it. Waitressing gave her such a great honor and privilege to do what she loved best, which was flirting with the boys, gossiping, and socializing with people from all over. She was later awarded as the “Ambassador of Route 66” for her many years of dedication and service as a waitress. After stepping down as a waitress, she spent the rest of her career as a cashier for Drug Emporium for several years. Nora had such a spunky and spirited personality and she was never afraid to speak the truth. Nora was a resident of the Palo Duro Nursing Home in Claude, Texas, where she continued to steal hearts with her flirtatious charm and quick witted sense of humor. She was very loved and adored by the staff and other residents. During her time there, she was crowned Valentine’s Day Queen twice. Nora often spoke about how hopeful she was to live to be 100 years old. On February 16, 2023, she finally made it to be 100, where she was showered with love, birthday cake, and even a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States of America.

Nora was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and one sister.

Those left to cherish her precious memory are her daughter, Sharon Cost and husband, James, of Amarillo; One grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Nora will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

On behalf of the family, they would like to thank all the staff at Palo Duro Nursing Home and BSA Hospice of the Southwest.