Norma Achterberg joined her beloved Edward on October 11, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. Norma was born March 6, 1927 on the family farm in Pratt County, KS. Growing up on the farm and as the oldest child she worked with her father performing all the farming operations. After graduation from Byers (KS) High School, Norma attended Business College in Omaha, Nebraska. She then worked in Wichita, KS, later moving to Emporia, KS, where she worked for Hallmark Cards. In Emporia, Norma met Edward Achterberg and they were married April 28, 1954 in Topeka, KS. Norma and Ed lived in Topeka, KS until they visited AZ and fell in love with the state. They moved to the Phoenix area in 1964. Norma was employed by the Maricopa County School District from 1964 until her retirement in 1989. She enjoyed all types of needlework, sharing many of her creations with family, friends and co-workers. Norma also loved cats and was an avid collector of ‘cat’ cookie jars and ‘anything Garfield’. Upon their retirement Norma and Edward traveled much of the US in their camping trailer, visiting family, friends and many fishing spots. Edward preceded Norma in death on April 29, 1999. Norma was also preceded in death by her parents, Clayton Foster King and Thelma Norma Bernbeck King; both of her siblings, LaQuita Smith and Delbert King and nephew Thomas Smith. Norma is survived by 3 nephews, Clayton King, Christopher King and Jim Smith and a niece, Vicky Lesley, all of Kansas. Memorial services will be held at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix, Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18