Norma Jean (Hogue) Watkins

Norma Jean Watkins (Hogue), 87 of Phoenix, AZ passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on March 6, 2021. Norma was born June 9, 1933 in Dickinson, ND. The daughter of Keith (Babe) and Thelma Hogue, sister of Connie Truesdell, Mikey Marlin, Carla Chapman, and Lisa Pottenbaum. Norma is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 57 years Richard Watkins, her 8 children, 17 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Daughter Jerilynn Johnston husband Tony and daughter Danielle, daughter Jody Taylor, son Michael Causland and wife Luann, daughter Jayne Finch and husband Steve, son Marty Causland and wife Shellie, son Manny Causland and wife Mary, daughter Kelly Passariello, and daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Colbert and husband Patrick. Grandchildren Kristin Stahowski and husband Chris, Chris Causland and wife Emily, Rachel Neri and husband Graig, Kenneth (Trey) Taylor and wife Colleen, Amy Watkins, Amanda Causland, Bryant Passariello, Tessa St. Cyr and husband Kevin, Chase Causland, Max Passariello, Richard Passariello, Jessica Causland, Hannah Colbert, Molly Causland, John Causland, Abbey Passariello and Carlos Ortiz, and Shannah Colbert. Great-Grandchildren Hayden, Joshua, Charlie, Emilie, Caleb, Jaxon, Mia, Kamryn, Collins, Leanna, Amelia, Ellie-Mae, Acelin, Cassius, Dominic, Olive, Alea, Avela, and Margot. In addition to her devoted family, Norma was loved and will be missed by extended family and many friends from California to Iowa, New England, and beyond.

Norma Jean was blessed with life-saving brain surgery at the age of six, when doctors removed a mass from her brain that had left her paralyzed and semiconscious. After three additional surgeries, her recovery was nothing short of miraculous. From that day forward, Norma Jean never took for granted the precious gift of life, and she always saw her glass as half full. She was an adventurous spirit who loved nature, animals, Willie Nelson, Johnnie Cash, traveling, reading, playing Scrabble, going to movies, and spending time with her family. Norma and her husband Richard, a proud U.S. Navy Veteran, along with their 8 children, traveled the country as a military family. Norma was a fixture on Navy bases, working at the PX and always with her kids in tow. She never learned to drive, preferring to get around on her own steam. She could be seen walking head down, arms swinging, always moving with a purpose.

After their retirement from Navy life, Norma and Richard moved to North Reading, Massachusetts where she worked at Abott's shoe store. Norma was an institution and was beloved by customers and co-workers alike. Her generous spirit and outgoing personality charmed all who knew her. Norma and Richard, whom she referred to as the “Charlie Brown to my Lucy” enjoyed many years in New England, where they took up square dancing and enjoyed trips to the coast walking on the beach hand in hand. Following their 2nd retirement, Norma and Richard returned to Phoenix, Arizona to bask in the sunshine. Norma enjoyed hiking in the desert, especially the White Tanks, and visiting the Phoenix Zoo to talk to her friends the animals (reptiles were her favorite). Norma Jean loved Native American culture and expressed great respect for the earth and all of it’s creatures. When asked about raising a large family Norma said, "raising 8 kids is like having your own circus. Good days or bad days you thank God every day for all of them". Norma burned sage every morning and spent Sundays on the phone with her children catching up.

As it was Norma and Richard’s wish that they enter into their final retirement together, a celebration of their lives will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers we are honoring Norma by donating to the Phoenix Zoo in her memory. Donations can be made through Phoenix Zoo Memorial Gifts Coordinator Ursula Hamblin (602) 286-3800 x7434.