Lillie Irene Norman of Chadron, Nebraska passed away at Crestview Care Center on October 22nd, 2022, at the age of 88. Her funeral will be held at the Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 2:00 P.M.
Lillie was born on November 29, 1933, in Crawford, Nebraska, to Raymond and (Cleda) Merle Inman-Miller. She was raised in Ardmore, South Dakota; one of four children in the home as her mother ran the Ardmore train depot and her father worked for the railroad.
Lillie attended high school in Lusk, Wyoming. Shortly after graduation she married Donald Norman of Crawford, Nebraska. They moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as he served in the United States Army. Don and Lillie were blessed with two daughters, Teckla Jo and Starla Marie, during their time in Missouri.
In 1960, the family settled in Whiteclay, Nebraska, following Don’s service in the Army. They were the owners of The Jumping Eagle Inn. Years later, they lived in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, and owned Stormin’ Norman’s.
Over the years, Lillie would build many friendships with community members in Sheridan, Dawes and Sioux counties, Pine Ridge, SD, and Fall River County, SD. She had a love for dancing, playing cards and her family. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and organized the Ardmore community reunion for several years.
Her family will miss her contagious laughter, sass and spirit. We thank Crestview Care Center for the loving care she received for the past three years.
A memorial is being established in Lillie’s name at St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
Lillie is survived by daughter Teckla Jo (Duane) of Whitney, NE, sister Cleda (Chris) Erickson of Ukiah, California, grandchildren Starla Eleson of Yellowstone National Park, WY, Misty (Andy) Gregory of Fort Collins, CO, Jason (Jill) Eleson of Denver, CO, Farrah (Matt) Heigel of Lincoln, NE and Brian (Danelle) Eleson of Sugar Hill, GA. She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
Lillie was preceded in death by her husband Don, daughter Starla, mother (Cleda) Merle, sister Berchia, brother Edward, and many cousins and friends. She was excited to join them all and sends her thanks and love to all who shared laughs and love with her.
A memorial has been established for St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Donations can be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online Condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com.