Norma Elaine Bales

Norma was born at home on May 31, 1927, in Ellington, Missouri to her parents Arthur and Daisy Bales, the 5th of 8 children. She attended Ellington High School and graduated in 1945 as the Valedictorian of her class. In recognition of her academic achievements, she received a scholarship for further education, which she used to attend Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Following business school, Norma moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked for a brokerage firm. In 1948, she relocated to Portland, Oregon, and in 1950 moved to San Francisco, California, where she would spend much of her professional life. Norma enjoyed a successful career with Southern Pacific Railroad, retiring in 1982. Following retirement, she returned to Oregon and made her home in Eugene. In 2017 Norma moved to Tigard, Oregon where she enjoyed a continued retirement at the Summerfield Estates Retirement Community.

Norma found joy in the simple pleasures of life and pursued many interests throughout the years. She had a gift for interior design and enjoyed creating beautiful spaces wherever she lived. Family members cannot look at a ginger jar without thinking of Norma and how she might style it. She loved gardening, reading, and playing bridge with friends. Active in her church community, Norma was a devoted woman of faith and volunteered at the foodbank as well as other community outreaches her church was involved in. She was a dedicated member of P.E.O., an organization committed to supporting women’s educational opportunities.

Travel brought Norma great happiness, and she treasured the many places she visited throughout her life. Of all her journeys, her trip to Israel held a special place in her heart and remained one of her most cherished memories.

She lived through nearly a century of remarkable change, meeting life’s challenges with determination, intelligence, and grace. She will be remembered for her sharp mind, independent spirit, enduring faith, and the warmth she shared with family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, accomplishment, and love that will continue to inspire all those who knew her.

Norma is survived by her dear sister Evelyn Landsburg as well as many adoring nieces and nephews. Don Bowden (Ginny), Phyllis Bowden, Lynette Bales, Leanne Bales, Lonna Frentzel (Bob), Laura Robertson (Paul), Lydia Mechelle, Doug Bales, Steve Bales, David Bales, Jill Dutchess (Keith), and Lisa Walker (Ken). The list of her many loved family members also includes numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. She loved us all so very much.

A memorial celebration of Norma’s life will be held at a future date to allow family and friends from near and far to gather in remembrance and honor her life. Norma Elaine Bales will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.