Norma Anderson

Norma M. Anderson, age 97, passed from this world to her eternal home on March 10, 2019 at Lakewood Health System – Care Center.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy Anderson; her parents, Ray and Annie France; and sister, Mickey Swanson.

She will be deeply missed by her two daughters and their spouses, Terry (Dennis) Stolhanske, of New Hope and Toni (Doug) Case, of Staples; grandchildren, Kristie (Erik) Thorson, Lisa (Mike) Kennedy, Trevor Stolhanske, Michael Case, and Aaron (Diana) Case; eight great-grandchildren, brother, Walter (Edwena) France, of Atlanta, GA; and five nieces and nephews.

Norma was born in Staples in April 1921.  She attended Staples schools and graduated in 1939.  She started working at the Ben Franklin store in town after graduation and worked there for eight years.  In 1944, she met a handsome and very charming, young solider from Verndale who was home on leave. She and Roy married in Great Bend, Kansas after a six-week courtship.  They had a full and rewarding life together for 72 years until his passing in 2016.  Their special love and caring was a wonderful example of what marriage should be.  Their favorite place to be was “together”.

Norma was a deeply devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family.  She especially enjoyed traveling. She and Roy took many trips together by car, bus, train, airplane, and cruise ship.  They shared many of these trips with family and friends and created wonderful memories for all.  Norma also enjoyed reading, dancing, gourmet cooking, entertaining, and sewing. Norma volunteered at the United Methodist Church and was involved in Women’s Society and Circle.  She also served as Secretary-Treasurer of local Lady Trainmen Organization. Norma will be fondly remembered for loving ways, her positive attitude, and encouraging spirit.

Memorial services will be held at Staples United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2019.  Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be held at a later date.