Norma Anne Elliott, 72, Topeka, died of cancer on April 28, 2005.
She was born to Eilert and Hedwig (Hattie) Eilers Bargen on September 27, 1932 on her parent's farm in rural Nebraska near Nora. She and her three brothers and three sisters grew up in a home full of German culture and a great deal of love, laughter, and a deep faith in the Lord.
Norma graduated from Superior High School in Superior, NE and attended college at the University of Nebraska. She taught in rural schools in Kansas and Illinois. She moved to Topeka in 1961 and became involved in the real estate business in 1969. Prior to her retirement in 2000, she was the closing officer for Kirk & Cobb Realtors for twenty five years.
She had been an active member of the Topeka Symphony League. Norma was past president and ten year board member of the Topeka Lutheran Home Association. She also had served as a board member of the Association of Professional Mortgage Women, Midland Hospice House Inc, and Children's Day Out. Norma received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Civitan Club of Topeka in 1995. She was also a volunteer for various organizations. Aside from the boards she served on, her greatest love was doing for and giving to others.
Norma was married to Robert L. Elliott on August 31, 1952. They were divorced. She is survived by daughters, Kelli Bailey and husband, Wayne of Tulsa, OK, Sherri Elliott and husband Kevin Mullin of Kansas City, MO, one grandson Cory, and three granddaughters, Sarah, Alexandra and Hope.
She is also survived by sisters: Evelyn Moore of Alexandria, VA, Wilma Kugler and husband Mel of Abilene, Lorene Saathoff and husband, Harry of Hebron, NE and two brothers, Don Bargen and wife Norma Belle and Lyndall Bargen and wife Bonnie of Nora, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Albert Bargen.
Norma was a member of First Lutheran Church and former Council member. She also chaired and served on many committees in the church.
Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church on Monday, May 2, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. Family will receive friends at the church an hour before services. A Graveside service will be at noon on Tuesday at the Evergreen Cemetery in Superior, NE.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
A special message for the family can be left at www.penwellgabel.com.