She was born on July 1st, 1939 in Greeley, Colorado to Sam Schlagel and Olinda (Kitzmann) Schlagel. She was raised on the family farm in the Kuner Area. She loved the farm life with all of the animals especially her 20+ kittens and cats. One of her favorite past times was teasing her older sister Darliene whenever the boys came calling.
In 1954, her family moved to Greeley where she attended Greeley High School and she graduated in 1957. On October 6th, 1962, she married her best friend Chester (Chet) Crouse. They lived in Johnstown until 1969 when they moved to Durango. Norma often referred to those 3 years as the most carefree and fun of her life!
In 1972, Chet and Norma moved to La Salle, Colorado where they raised their two children Tami and Tim. They were supportive parents and enjoyed being involved in Tami and Tim’s activities throughout their school years. It was important to Chet that Norma was a stay at home mother. In 1976, Norma went to work for Low Level Dusting in La Salle as this allowed her to be available as a mom.
After a few years, she entered into her career in banking. She loved working at the bank in La Salle and developed a great rapport with coworkers and customers alike. She eventually moved her work in banking to Greeley. In July of 1999, she lost her son Tim to an accident. It was after this loss that Chet and Norma moved to Greeley. Norma and Chet loved their 20 years in Greeley as this enabled them to enjoy many fun times with their circle of friends at the Moose Lodge and the Evans VFW. They greatly enjoyed participating in skits and “no talent” shows. They both had quite the stage presence!
The role of grandmother to her four grandchildren was her favorite yet, each one of them brought her so much happiness in their own ways. After retirement, Chet and Norma enjoyed numerous trips in their RV travelling all over the country. They spent most of their time however on their beautiful mountain property in Glacier View Meadows.
Norma is survived by her daughter Tami Crouse, daughter-in-law Tammy Crouse (Kevin Tobey), grandchildren Lauren (Crouse) Lord, (Jason) Keith Hoffman, (Blanca Garza), Ryan Crouse (Girlfriend Kendra), Mikayla (Hoffman) Clark, (Ryan) and great-grandchildren Kaylee Ray (Pistol), Ralin, and Calli. sister Darliene Bucklew, sister-in-laws Alberta Hergenreder, Carolyn Murphy, Vicki Yost (Carl) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, husband and son, as well as several other beloved family members and friends. We are certain she was greeted warmly by all of them.
Celebration of Life 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2019 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Inurnment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice or National Mill Dog Rescue in care of Stoddard Funeral Home. 3205 W. 28th Street Greeley, CO 80634.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.11.6