Norma Jean Slayback

Norma Jean (Walters) Slayback passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 92.
Born Norma Jean Roelofs on March 21, 1933, in Muskegon, Michigan, she was the daughter of Jack and Sue Roelofs, and the fifth of six children. Norma received her childhood education in Muskegon, and graduated from high school there in 1952. In 1953, she met Monty Walters. They married the following year, and soon moved from Muskegon to Sacramento, California, to be closer to Monty's family as they established their own family. They were blessed with three children (Don, Debi, and Diane). Norma initially worked as a Secretary at Aerojet General, but soon became a full-time stay-at- home Mom while the children were young. The Walters family moved to Stockton in 1969 where they established Contract Carpet Company. Norma played a vital role in managing the office and handling all of the accounting.
Monty became ill with lupus in the 1980-s so they sold the carpet store (by now renamed "Walters Carpet") to their son, Don. After Monty's passing in 1993, Norma returned to work with Don at Walters Carpet until she married Bob Slayback in 1996. From 2002 to 2013, Norma also served as the Office Manager for Vinewood Preschool, where her daughters (Debi and Diane), and granddaughters (Kimberli & Alicia) remain on staff.
Norma accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age, and it was evident from that point forward that her Christian faith gave ultimate meaning and purpose to every facet of her life. Norma was a devoted member of Vinewood Community Church for 50 years -- teaching 1st and 2nd-grade Sunday School for 12 years, and singing in the church choir. She and Bob remained active Vinewood members until recent health challenges made regular attendance all but impossible. Norma's faith, kindness, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Norma was preceded in death by her first husband, Monty Walters, her parents, Jack and Sue Roelofs, her sisters, Jackie Roelofs and Maxine Sheffield, her brothers Bill Roelofs and Don Roelofs, and her decades-long best friend, Verla Suess.
Norma is survived by her loving husband, Bob Slayback, her brother, Ray Roelofs (& Gert), her 3 children, Don Walters (& Peggy), Debi Hyzdu (& Bryan), and Diane Juarez (& John). Norma is also survived by 3 stepchildren, David Slayback, Scott Slayback (& Julie), and Dan Slayback, as well as 8 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Grandchildren (8): Christopher Walters (& Jen); Jennifer Walters; Kelsey Koepplin (& Andrew); Tim Hyzdu (& Lori); Tommy Hyzdu; Kimberli Door (& Eric); Anthony Juarez (& Jamie); and Alicia Valenzuela (& Michael).
Step-Grandchildren (7): Luke Slayback; Paul Slayback; Lynea Slayback; Tyler Slayback; Genesis Slayback; April Slayback; and Joshua Slayback.
Great Grandchildren (10): Jake Walters; Claire Walters; Max Hyzdu; Joe Hyzdu; Olivia Door; Luke Door; Charlotte Door; James Valenzuela; Kenslee Koepplin; and Donnie Koepplin.
In lieu of flowers, Norma's wishes are for financial contributions to be made to Vinewood Preschool and/or Cancer Kids of San Joaquin.
Per the request of the family, services for Norma Slayback will be held privately through Cherokee Memorial.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Slayback family.