Norma Jean Conaway was born on July 13, 1932 to Elmer A. and Neva M Conley Smith. Norma passed away May 27th, 2024 at the age of 91.
Norma always liked telling people that she was born a half-mile from Home on the Range. She spent her childhood on a farm north of Athol, and spent many hours playing outside with her brothers Wilbur and Jerrell Smith. Norma graduated from Athol High School in 1949.
While in high school, Norma and her parents moved to town and ran the hatchery. In school Norma met Lawrence Conaway. They enjoyed going to movies and roller skating, where Norma always seemed to be the end person when “cracking the whip”. They fell in love and were married December 26, 1949.
To this union four children were born. Lori Lea, Steven Lyn, Debra Renea, and Mardi Michelle. Lawrence and Norma spent their early years in a small home in Athol. Eventually they made their home a half mile north of town where they resided for the next 70 years.
Norma was an active member of the church and women’s fellowship. She had a strong faith in the Lord, which she instilled in all of her children. Norma was also a member of the Home on the Range extension unit. She enjoyed going to meetings with daughter Debra. Norma was very active in Hospice as well.
Norma never met a dog she didn’t like, and in turn, Norma never met a dog that didn’t like her. She had many pets over the years and loved all animals as well as living on the farm. She had beautiful gardens and took pride in her home.
Norma was a true partner to Lawrence. She milked cows, farrowed pigs, and was one of the best cooks in the area. The working men in the area knew they would always get an excellent meal if working on the Conaway farm.
Norma was selfless and kind, always putting others in front of herself. Family was the most important thing to Norma. She was happiest with a house full of her children and grandchildren.
Norma will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. What a glorious reunion it must have been when she reunited with her husband Lawrence and son Steve upon entering Heaven.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence, son Steven, parents Elmer and Neva, brother Wilber, and many close friends.
Norma is survived by Jeff and Lori Collier of Fort Scott, KS, Trey and Debra Ward of Smith Center, KS, Mardi Lohoefener of Athol, KS, brother, Jerrell Smith of Iola, KS and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Athol Congregational Church at 10:30 a.m.. on Saturday June 1st, 2024.