Norma Jean Flory, age 93, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024. She was born July 24, 1930 to Silas Edward Daughenbaugh and Martha Henrietta (Ubben) Daughenbaugh on the family farm in Burdett, Kansas.
As a tomboy growing up on the family farm, Norma enjoyed the outdoors, friends, family and especially riding Trixie, her pony, a beloved gift from her uncle Mike. When Trixie had enough, she would rear up, put her feet on the barn, and deposit Norma on the ground, tush first.
She graduated Burdett High School in May of 1948. After training at the Halstead Hospital School of Nursing, over the years, she worked as a nurse at Potter County Hospital, TX, Boeing Wichita, KS and at Wesley Hospital in Wichita, KS.
While a nursing student, Norma was spotted by Neil at the soda shop in Halstead. He mentioned wanting to meet her to a friend. They soon had a blind date, leading to a lifetime romance. Marrying in November, 1951, the couple moved to Amarillo, TX - the start of many moves, including Kansas, California, Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma, and back to Kansas.
Norma was active as a Red Cross volunteer, PTA and Girl Scout Leader, and working the election polls. Norma and Neil were avid gardeners, and went organic before it was popular. She was an avid bridge player, and in later years, took up the game of Mahjong. With great appreciation for the arts, Norma took classes in silversmithing, but copper enameling became a favorite pastime. She enjoyed cruises and traveling with friends and family. A dedicated wife and mother, she excelled as a seamstress, cooking, canning, freezing, and drying fruit. From an early time in her cooking, she loved decorating cakes, a tradition which carried on with her kids and grandkids.
As Meme, Norma's title from her grandchildren, she and Neil were very involved. Attending hundreds of practices, games, recitals, and school programs with proud smiles, and encouraging (or consoling) words. Trips to the zoo, the ice capades, plays, holidays, and many, many sleepovers were enjoyed by all. Her grandchildren and great-grandchild never failed to bring a smile of joy to her face.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Martha Daughenbaugh; her brother, Maurice (Bernie); and her sister, Marjorie (John).
Norma is survived by her husband, Neil Flory; son, Michael; daughter, Teresa (Michael) Williams; grandchildren, Sara (John), Steven and Amy (Jarrett); great-grandchild, Frances; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
A celebration of life service for Norma Jean Flory, will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 18th, at Lakeview Funeral and Cemetery, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita, KS 67206.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross.
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