Norma J. Ewing

 

 

Norma Jane Ewing passed away at the age of 98 on August 5, 2023, in the Grace Manor Care Center, Burlington, Colorado.  She was surrounded by her children, Neal Ewing and Diana Walz, and their spouses Laura Monks and Lee Walz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; her daughter, Barbara; her mother and father, Neola and Hiram Holst; her sisters, Ellen Noser and Kathleen Sickenberger; and her nephew David Noser. She is survived by her children and their spouses Neal Ewing and Laura Monks; Diana and Lee Walz; grandchildren and spouses, Jake Ewing, Ryan Walz, Shannon Younkin/Pat Younkin, Sean Bostwick/Raquel Bostwick, Randall Walz/Shannon Walz; great grandchildren, Hailey Bostwick, Aurora and Andrew Walz, Leo and Oscar Walz, Lana and Logan Younkin and several nieces and nephews.

Norma was born on November 10, 1924, and grew up in Genoa, Colorado. She was the middle of three daughters born to Neola and Hiram Holst. She attended all twelve years of school in Genoa. After graduating from high school, she moved to Denver where she worked and attended Barnes Business College. When World War II ended, she returned to Genoa to marry her high school sweetheart, Floyd Ewing, after his discharge from the Navy. The couple married on September 21, 1945. For the next 70 years, they lived on their farm north of Genoa. In addition to her many contributions to the operation of the farm; keeping books, providing meals, running for parts, and maintaining the household, Norma also worked as a secretary for the welfare office in Hugo for several years. Together, she and Floyd, enjoyed traveling, attending their grandchildren’s special events, being actively involved in the Genoa community and the Genoa United Methodist Church.  Her faith, her family, the church, and the community were important foundations throughout Norma’s life.

Norma was gifted in both art and music and had a passion for both. She loved to dance. In her early years, she learned to tap dance and, along with friends, would perform for local events. While living in Denver, she was invited by her uncle to sing for the Kaiser Officer’s Club during the lunch hour. She also sang at the Savoy Hotel with a jazz band on some evenings. A recording of the song “Josephine”, that she sang with a trio, was found stored in a drawer but sadly had deteriorated. Involvement with the Genoa United Methodist choir, the Community Cantata, and other community events, gave her many opportunities to sing. Some of her favorite hobbies included birdwatching, painting/drawing, sewing, and tending to her flower garden on the farm. She enjoyed seeing the splashes of color on her canvas and in the yard.

By example, Norma and Floyd together, encouraged laughing often, being kind and living generously. Family and friends who knew Norma, will likely remember her as having been fun and funny, creative, loving and so much more.

Memorial Contributions can be made to: Leukemia And Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org); or the Plains Community Church, 211 Main Street, Genoa, Colorado 80818.

 In remembering mom and celebrating her life, we were wanting to invite those attending the service to wear a favorite color of theirs or mom's favorite color which was red.