Barbara Norman

Barbara Lou Norman, 87, went home to be with Jesus on November 27, 2014. She will be remembered for her sweet smile, loving heart, and unequaled kindness. The motto she lived by was “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle”.

The daughter of Guy Edgar and Ruth Elizabeth Garlow Howard, she was born November 11, 1927, Lewis, Iowa. She attended country school and then moved to "big town school" in Lewis where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. Barbara then moved to Atlantic and worked at Sothman’s Implement Dealership, where she met her future husband. She was united in marriage to Ralph Sovern Norman on February 15, 1948, and they raised their family in the Atlantic area. Together, they ran Ralph Norman Real Estate for many years. Later, she was the office manager of the Cass County Abstract Company and spearheaded updating the office to incorporate use of computers.

Barb attended the Atlantic Evangelical Free Church, and was known as a Christian woman with a serving heart. She was also a member of the Cass County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Christian Women's Club and taught Sunday School for over 30 years. She was an adult student of the piano and excelled to play for church services. Family was the highlight of Barbara’s life, so traveling to Texas, Montana, Kansas, and Minnesota to visit and attend their activities was a regular occurrence. For an example, she took a one-day flight for a grandparent day celebration. Her latest trip was in July of this year.

She quilted and knitted keepsakes for all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sewing was another interest of hers and she crafted both of her daughters' wedding dresses, among many other articles of clothing for her family. Her children's friends considered her a gracious hostess, often fitting seamlessly into her home and her caring heart; many having adopted the name "Mom" or "Grandma" for her before they departed. Another name she earned was "St. Barb" - as her family fondly remembers her quiet wisdom and gentle ways. She was a great listener.

Barbara is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Maggie Norman of Missoula, Montana and Dan and Betty Norman of Salina, Kansas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jo and Jack Wagner of Atlantic and Kay and Dan McCarthy of Minnetonka, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Brian Wagner and wife, Jennifer, Ryan Norman and wife, Leslie, Sarah Payne and husband, Ryan, Toby Norman and wife, Tara, Bethany Calderon and husband, Pablo, Adrianne Law and husband, Ian, Meghan Morrison and husband, Dennis and Aubrey McCarthy; 16 loving great-grandchildren; brothers, Dick Howard and wife, Denny and Dale Howard and wife, Marilyn; a sister, Elizabeth King; a sister-in-law, Ruth Norman; brother-in-law, Ray Becker; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph; dear son, Timothy, in infancy; grandson, Andy; her parents; and her brother, David.

A service to celebrate her joyous life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2014, at the Evangelical Free Church in Atlantic, IA.

Burial will take place prior to the service, at 9:00 a.m., in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Open visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday, November 30th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home. There is no family visitation planned.

Memorials can be directed to the family for donations to Timber Bay Youth Ministry and local youth ministry.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Barbara's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Barbara L. Norman

BORN
November 11, 1927
Lewis, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
Thursday, November 27, 2014
At the age of
87 years & 16 days
Atlantic, Iowa

CELEBRATION OF HER JOYOUS LIFE
10:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2014
Evangelical Free Church
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Don McLean

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“In Christ Alone”
“Because He Lives”
“Jesus Loves Me” by Barbara’s Grandkids and Great Grandkids
“Some Things Are Meant to Be” & Selected Reading by Aubrey McCarthy
(Barbara loved the book Little Women and gave a copy
to each of her granddaughters.)

CASKETBEARERS
Brian Wagner
Sarah Payne
Bethany Calderon
Meghan Morrison
Ryan Norman
Toby Norman
Adrianne Law
Aubrey McCarthy
Honoring the Memory of Andy Norman

IN CHARGE OF FLOWERS
Carole Schuler

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery
Atlantic, Iowa

Barbara’s family invites you to join them for lunch in the
fellowship hall immediately following the service.