It was a blistering hot day in Pittsville, Missouri on July 27th, 1931, when Norma Jeane Shippy made her entrance into the world. Welcoming her were her mother, Myrtle and her father, Ward along with older brother Glenn and older sister Billie. The family later welcomed brother Everett and little brother Larry. Norma was given the nickname “Shorty” by her tall older brother and she carried that name throughout the rest of her life. Norma was an outdoor girl who loved to work on the farm with her Dad. In high school, Norma was the star guard of the girls’ basketball team and the majorette for the marching band. She graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1949 and married her high school sweetheart, Paul Swain, on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952. Five daughters were added to the family over the years; Paula, Diana, Tammy, Sally and Robbi. Later they adopted their son, Alex. Norma was a stay-at-home mom who was very active in all her children’s activities. She was a Christian who was also very active in her church teaching 4-year old’s in Sunday School. Most of her life Norma lived in Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona; Jamestown, North Dakota, and a short stay near Little Rock, Arkansas, moving around as Paul changed jobs. Norma loved being with family and spent many hours cooking for the family dinners. She also loved holidays and loved to decorate for them. 4th of July was one of her favorite holidays and even in her older years she always cried when she heard the Star-Spangled Banner.
Norma leaves behind her husband Paul, also 87 years old, four daughters, her adopted son, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with #11 on the way. She is preceded in death by her three brothers, one sister and her youngest daughter Robbi. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and their children who loved their “Aunt Shorty” dearly. She will be extremely missed by all those who loved her.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing being held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Ave. in Glendale, beginning at 1 PM on Friday, May 24, 2019 with funeral service to follow at 2 PM. Norma will be laid to rest at Resthaven Park Cemetery.
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