Norma Jeanne Kelly, originally Norma Jeanne Dennis, was born on February 11, 1936 in Goldthwaite, Texas. She grew up in the small town of Lometa, located in the lush countryside of central Texas. As the daughter of an authentic cowboy, some of her most cherished memories were those of riding horses with her father, Thomas, and helping him tend the family ranch. Those memories of her father brought her joy throughout her life up to the very end.
After high school, Norma moved to Pasadena, California to attend college. During that time, she cultivated a deep and abiding faith in God that carried her through all of life’s ups and downs. Throughout her life, she prayed to God every morning and scripture sustained her.
Norma was also a devoted mother to her four children. She was a pillar of strength to her family, offering her children unconditional love and support throughout all of life’s triumphs and challenges. She was also a steadfast daughter, sister, and friend, and remained close to her family and longtime friends throughout her life.
An adventurer at heart, Norma loved to travel. She planned road trips throughout the United States when her children were young and seized the opportunity to travel to Europe after her retirement. In her golden years, she enjoyed volunteering at the Los Angeles Arboretum, and her last few years were filled with visits from friends, family, and her two grandchildren.
Norma left behind a rich legacy of the importance of hard work, faith, honesty, and love for family. She is survived by her sister, her two daughters, and her two grandchildren. She will be missed. Her legacy, the love she had for her family and friends, and the love they had for her, will live on.
