Norma Louise Elder Onstine

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(April 3, 1919 ~ May 26, 2014)

Long-time Powell resident Norma Louise Elder Onstine passed away on Monday, May 26, 2014 at the age of 95.  At the time of her passing, she was a resident at the Powell Valley Care Center.  Norma was born at home on Ave. D in Powell, Wyoming  to Ralph and Isabel Elder.  She graduated from Powell High School with the Class of 1937.  While in high school, she lettered as a majorette with the band.  After graduation, she attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

In 1939 she married Frederick William (Freddie) Onstine in Billings, Montana.  To this union, five children were born: twin boys, Ralph and Ray, daughter Jeannine, and sons Eugene and Freddie. 

Norma was an avid bowler and won many honors and awards during her time with the bowling league.  Through the years while bowling, she made lifelong friends and with them, was able to travel to many tournaments representing Powell.

She had a passion for gardening, raising beautiful roses and a variety of flowers. She loved working in her yard, keeping it neat and trimmed and because of her hard work, her yard was the envy of the neighborhood, a centerpiece of blossoms.  She worked faithfully keeping it that way until last summer when it became too difficult for her.  Even then, she did what she could.   Norma shared the vegetables in her garden with family and friends and preserved what was left.  Nothing was ever wasted.  She loved to cook for those who came to visit her and her “chocolate cake and pie” were always a hit with anyone who was fortunate enough to get a piece of them.

Norma enjoyed needlework and crafts.   Embroidery and crocheting were two of her favorites.  She made many dishtowel sets and blankets that were given as gifts.  She never just sat and did nothing, there was always some kind of project in her hands.  She loved playing Skip-Bo and didn’t like to lose! She was good and anyone playing with her had to work hard to win.

She was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church as well as the Powell Does, for which she was their long-time treasurer.  She and her daughter Jeannine attended many Does conventions together in various parts of the country that she wouldn’t have been able to travel to otherwise.  Until recently, she looked forward to attending the Does luncheons and being able to visit with the other members.  Because of her dedication to this organization, she was partly responsible for keeping it going and keeping everyone coming. 

People will remember how they were served by Norma during her many years of working at Hunnicutt Jewelry in Powell.  She prided herself in helping others any way she could.  When customers stopped in the store, they knew they had just met a friend.  She loved people and would visit with anyone.  She knew no strangers, they were all her friends.  She was kind and gracious to all she met.

Survivors include:  Ralph (Nora Lee) Onstine, McCammon, Idaho;  Ray Onstine, McCammon, Idaho;  Jeannine (William) Wood, Pocatello, Idaho; Eugene (Kay) Onstine, Powell, Wyoming; and Freddie (Connie) Onstine from Powell, Wyoming; sister-in-law Evelyn Onstine of Powell; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie W. Onstine, her parents, her sister, Mae Swallow and grandson Travis (TJ) Onstine.

We will miss you Mother.  Thank you for all the memories and good times we’ve shared throughout the years.  We love you and will hold you in our hearts always.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 AM Thursday, May 29 at Thompson Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Cemetery.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Norma’s name to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.

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