Norma Jane Kuklis

Norma Jane (Cartmell) Kuklis, age 85, entered into the presence of God on May 16, 2024 at United Zion Retirement Community Lititz, PA, and Caring Hospice, Lancaster, PA. She was Born November 1, 1938, in Philadelphia, the daughter of Clarence and Edna Cartmell, both deceased. Norma was the wife of the late Ivan J. Kuklis, who died in January 2021. In 1963, she trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.
She was a loving, caring, humble spirit, a strong and prayerful woman of faith. Her prayer was to be a witness to others in her life. She had family Bible studies in her home and organized and helped lead women's neighborhood Bible studies. She also hosted numerous missionaries from Calvary Church. She was the prayer warrior of the family, as she wrote many prayer requests in her notebooks.
Norma was a beloved member of Calvary Church, Lancaster. Her life was defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others, both in her church and in her family. Norma and Ivan were Sunday school secretaries and helped in the children's nursery. She poured her heart and soul into everything she did, whether it was baking her famous sticky buns for the Missionary conferences or hosting meals for her family and friends at church.
Her legacy will also live on through the many generations she has touched with her passion for cooking. Her peach pie, chocolate chip cookies, potato salad, oven-fried chicken, and traditional Czechoslovakian treats and meals were more than just delicious dishes: they were a symbol of love and care that she poured into every recipe. She learned these skills from Ivan's mother and has passed them down, inspiring others to keep the tradition alive.
Norma retired from the Lancaster County Clerk of Courts after 20 years. During her time at the office, she made everyone's day brighter with her joyful demeanor and friendly attitude. Norma enjoyed having lunch with her daughters at local spots like the Lancaster Central Market or the Watt & Shand restaurant. After retiring, she decided to pursue her passion for art and began taking oil painting lessons from a local artist named Carol Herr. Norma even became a member of the Lancaster Art Association and volunteered there. She showcased over thirty of her oil paintings, which were admired by many. Norma had a green thumb and loved planting things in her flower beds. She was also talented at doing crafts, sewing, and knitting dishcloths, which she passed on to her family and friends.
She loved and was proud of her family and expressed gratitude for their love. She appreciated her grandson, Grant, for his piano and guitar playing, and singing to her especially while she was ill. Norma's passing is a great loss to all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. She was a shining example of what it means to live a life of love and for Christ. Her spirit will continue to inspire others for generations to come.
With great sadness, we announce the passing of a beloved mother, Norma. Daughters survive her: Diane (Lawrence Cohen) Bookman, Cheryl (Jerry) Frey, Cathryn Jarrett, Janet Langton, and Deborah (Michael) Deguzman; all of PA, and son Jerry (Kathy Hardy) Chester of FL. And by 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and siblings Don (Darlene) Cartmell of AZ, Jean (Jim, late) Bedilion of TX, Linda (Jamil) Yuzon of PA, and Jerry Cartmell of NC.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Dewald Funeral & Cremation Services, 227 West 4th Street, Quarryville, PA 17566, with a viewing at the funeral home from 10 AM to 11 AM. Chaplain Ethan Levengood will be officiating.
Interment will be held at the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewalds.com.