Norma Jean Gregory Pesnell

Norma Jean Gregory Pesnell passed away at her home at the age of 90 on Thursday, September 12, 2024. She was born on June 16, 1934 in Cabool, Missouri, to Harlan Cecil and Grace Adkins Gregory. 

 When Norma was eight years old her family moved to the small town of Osborne, Kansas. At the age of sixteen she met “a most wonderful guy”, Don Pesnell, who was enlisted in the Air Force. While Don was stationed in Korea, they faithfully wrote to each other while Norma finished high school. Don returned home in April, Norma graduated in May and they were married on September 14, 1952. Mom often said that upon meeting Dad they felt that they had known each other before. Norma loved being an Air Force wife and the many adventures they shared while living in various states and countries. Their assignments took them to Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Japan, Turkey, California, and finally to Utah. During their life together Don and Norma traveled to forty-nine of the fifty states. 

 In July of 1959, while living in Texas, they joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On March 8, 1962 they drove to Mesa, Arizona and were sealed in the Mesa temple. Norma served faithfully in many callings, but especially enjoyed serving, with her husband, an 18-month mission at the Ogden cannery. She also cherished the five years they worked in the Ogden temple. 

Norma considered her role as mother and homemaker her greatest blessing. She and Don were the parents of seven children – six daughters and one son. She was also the proud grandmother of twenty-eight grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren. 

Norma is survived by her children, Gayla Pesnell, Lisa (Hayden) Smith, Tamara (Ken) Lloyd, Tanya (John) Nichols, Tye (Shantel) Pesnell; her sister Velma (Dale) Kelling, sister-in-law Donna Gregory. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Pesnell; daughters, Shaunna Naylor and Nona Blotter; her sister Betty Hanks, and brother Bill Gregory. 

The family would like to thank our sister, Gayla, for the tireless care and service that she so lovingly gave to our Mom in her final years.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the West Point 4th Ward Chapel, 2852 West 300 North. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. 

Services will be live-streamed by going to www.lindquistmortuary.com and scrolling to the bottom of Norma’s obituary page on the day of her services.

It was Norma’s wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Missionary Fund or to Primary Children’s Hospital.

Interment, West Point City Cemetery.

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