Norma L. Jones passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka. She was born on October 17, 1930 in Ellsworth, Kansas, the daughter of Pauline (Ganoung) and Hugo Matoush. Norma graduated from Highland Park High School and Washburn University with a degree in home economics. She was married to Robert Jones on June 8, 1952.
Norma was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church and served as the secretary for 25 years. She was a member of Alpha Phi sorority at Washburn and Chapter GJ of PEO Sisterhood and the Junior League of Topeka for many years.
Norma and her husband Bob were founders of the Wood Valley Racket Club and were inducted into the Topeka Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2018. They were also avid sailors and members of the Lake Shawnee Yacht Club. They had an amazing group of friends known as 'The Turnpike Set' and enjoyed many a KU football or basketball game. She was a devoted sports fan, seldom missing the chance to catch the Royals' or Chiefs' broadcasts. Her love of an active lifestyle and her energetic and positive spirit were certainly factors in her long and healthy life.
From 1988 to 2010, Norma and Bob resided in a lake front home at Lake Pomona, 20 miles south of Topeka. Known as Grammy or Nana to her nine grandchildren, Norma's cookie jar was never empty, and a fun activity was always at the ready. While living at Lake Pomona, a trip to visit Grammy/Nana and Papa's created memories for her grandchildren that will last a lifetime.
Norma was an eternal optimist, always saw the good in everything and was able to laugh at the foibles of life. She was a great listener, beyond kind and was always interested in everything and everyone around her.
Survivors include two children, Martin Jones (Vanessa) of Temecula, California and Shelley Krane (John) of Evergreen, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, and daughter Karen Miller (Jay) of Iola. She is survived by her nine grandchildren, Nicole Wick (Andrew), Drew Miller (Laura), Alisa Hirst (Tommy), Amanda Carty (Andrew), Abbie Krane, Nigel Jones, Aaron Jones (Victoria), Bryan Miller and Riley Krane (Whitney). She was also blessed to have 7 great-grandchildren.
Cremation is planned and a celebration of Norma's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at Countryside United Methodist Church. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Interim Hospice Memorial Fund, 1251 SW Arrowhead Rd., Topeka, KS 66604 or the Women of Faith of Countryside UMC, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, KS 66611.
Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.
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