Norma Jeane Small

Norma Jeane Small died on Auguest 6, 2024 at the age of 97 in Lenexa, Kansas from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. She was a resident of Westchester Village of Lenexa at the time of death.

Norma was born in Dunlap, Kansas on April 1, 1927 to Bryan and Rosetta May Shawgo. She was the second daughter in a family of two daughters and one son. She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Paul, and a sister, Ernestine Gunzelman. Norma is survived by a brother, Gayle (Bud) of Manhattan, Kansas. Norma's three children, Carolyn Sue Robb, Deborah Vaught, and Richard Small preceded her in death.

Norma is survived by five grandchildren, Bryan Alan Robb of Incline Village, Nevada, Michael Duncan Robb of La Mesa, California, Magan Szwareck of Berwyn, Illinois, Lindsey Vaught and Jamie Mundell of Amarillo, Texas. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew Small of Chicago, Illinois. Norma had thirteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She also had numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Norma lived in Dunlap for nine years before moving to Emporia, Kansas where she attended Emporia's public schools and Emporia State College. She worked in the offices of the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka before marrying the love of her life, Paul H. Small, on December 29, 1946, after Paul returned from duty with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. After their marriage, Paul and Norma moved to a succession of states due to Paul's employment with the Santa Fe Railroad and their final home before moving to Westchester Village of Lenexa was in Prairie Village, Kansas. During this time, Norma, besides being a home maker and loving mother, worked in various capacities as a church secretary, librarian, and instructional aide.

Norma had a full, active, and happy life. She loved her husband and family, enjoyed traveling and church activities and visiting her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending.