Ethel Norman

Ethel Leah Martin Van Norman was born April 14, 1910 in Wray, North Dakota to Thomas and Dollie Martin. She was the 5th of their 6 children. In a few short years, a series of moves took her and her family to Missouri by covered wagon, to Montana by train, and finally to Cody, Wyoming. There, as a teen, she baby sat for many of the Irma Hotel's wealthy guests from the east. At 15, she was severely scalded and not expected to live. The doctor said if she lived, she would not walk, or live an ordinary life. True to her persistent spirit, she lived, walked, and loved to sing and dance. In 1927, Ethel met her husband at a dance in Cody, Wyoming! Ethel Leah Martin and John Paul Van Norman were married on August s". 1927 in Basin, Wyoming and '5 children followed; Jack, Shirley (Brown), Richard, Samuel and Kenneth. All have preceded her in death. In life, Ethel juggled the responsibilities of wife, mother and bookkeeper for the family and for their business Van Norman Pipe and Supply. She was the maid and landlord for their rentals, while opening their home to many who needed a place to call home. She did it all through the joys and the heartaches of life. As the years advanced, it was difficult for those around Ethel to remember her age because she was so young at heart. She loved all kinds of music and was always ready to participate in whatever was going on around her. Her declining years did not begin until her mid-90's when her failing eyesight took away her ability to drive up and down the roads of Wyoming and Montana visiting and serving others. As to living that ordinary life the doctor referred to, he was right she didn't. Instead, her life was as extraordinary as she was. She will always be remembered as one of the toughest and most loving people we ever knew. Ethel Leah Van Norman is survived by 9 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 31, and counting, great-great-grandchildren.

Service

Saturday, July 14, 2012 11:00am