Norma Rodee

NORMA JEAN RODEE

Marion

Norma Jean (Haggard) Rodee, of Marion, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, in her home. Norma was born to Glen and Nelle Haggard in Meade, Kan., on Feb. 25, 1932. Norma's parents worked at Western Union in Concordia where she grew up. She had fond memories of growing up in a world that was much simpler than it is today.

Norma is survived by her only sibling, Col. Robert Haggard of Manchester, N.H. Norma had two aunts and one uncle who survive her, Bernice Ellen Clark of Marina Del Ray, Calif., Frances German of Salina, Kan., and Fred Schnieder of Encitas, Calif. Norma felt blessed by the frequent phone calls from her family.

Norma graduated from Concordia High School in 1950. She then attended Emporia State Teachers College in Emporia, Kan. She was a member of Tri-Sigma sorority. Her sorority sisters were an important part of her life. One of her sorority sisters, Mona Anderson Rodee, became a sister-in-law and a dear friend for life. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Col. Robert Rodee of Roy, Utah.

Norma was a beautiful young woman with many suitors. When she met the captain of Emporia State's football team, she knew she had found the person she wanted to share the rest of her life with. She knew he was the right one because of his honesty and their ability to talk about anything. Norma married Myron Wayne Rodee on Dec. 27, 1951. Over 61 years, they shared many good times and laughter. Myron preceded Norma in death on June 20, 2014. He was the love of her life.

Myron and Norma had three children, Brenda Kay Rodee, who died in 1959; Michael Burrill Rodee (Elizabeth Dobler) of Wichita, Kan., and Jodee (Robert) Gaines of Marion.

Norma was a loving mother. She spent many years as a stay-at-home mother. Later, she worked at Armstrong's Department Store. She helped many women find happiness by finding clothes that were becoming to them. She was a devoted employee, staying with Armstrong's until their doors closed. Norma was not only loving but was also patient. She maintained things at home while her husband pursued advanced education that took them from Elinwood, Kan., to Evanston, Ill., to Iowa City, and then finally to Cedar Rapids.

Norma loved her grandchildren, Benjamin Lohr of Marion, Mark (Becky) Rodee of Wichita, Kan., Aly Beley (Jim) of Washington, D.C., Molly Lohr of Marion, Kaitlyn Rodee of Kansas City, Kan., and Katelyn Wilkin (Taylor) of Hiawatha. They were her treasures and joy. Spending time with them whether in person or by phone meant the world to her. She was proud of each grandchild for the beautiful adults they became.

Norma's life was a tribute to the power of unconditional love for family. Her love of reading brought her joy which she shared through volunteer work at Starry Elementary and with friends of the Cedar Rapids Library. It was the simple things in life that brought joy to Norma, things like flying kites, gathering seashells and sitting on a balcony in South Padre, Texas, with her husband and a glass of her favorite wine.

She hoped that her family and friends would share in her faith, unconditional love and enjoyment for the simple things in life that bring joy.

The family of Norma wishes to thank Linda Livingston, Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church for the spiritual care, love and friendship that was a beacon of light and hope to Mom. You prepared her well for this journey. Carol Stiffler, for your loving and generous visits and cards, we are truly grateful for your presence and prayers. Home Choice Senior Care, caregivers, who came in and provided care, laughter and brought in pieces of the outside world, all of which made her world a much better place. We cannot thank them enough. Each of them were a blessing, each at the right time. Unity Point Hospice Team: Andrea, Becky, Michael and Rosemary, your genuine compassion and care brought us all peace.

Norma's memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Marion. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Ascension Lutheran Church, 2210 Grand Ave., Marion, IA 52302, to fund their outreach and ministry programs. Ascension Lutheran Church was a gift to both of our parents.

Please share a memory of Norma at www.

murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.