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Norma Jean (Billbe) Divelbiss was born June 14, 1934 in Blackwell, OK to Noah Billbe and Martha Devine Jones Billbe. She left this world on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in Pratt KS.
When she was young, her family moved to Decatur Arkansas. She had 11 older brothers and sisters. They were very close. Her father owned and operated a gas station for many years. Her mother was a kind soul, and would always help the needy regardless of how little she might have for her own family.
On August 14, 1952, Norma married Kenneth Richard Divelbiss. They lived in Medford, OK where they started their family.
Norma was widowed on January 1, 1966, leaving her with her 6 children ages 1-12. She poured out her life for her children, staying home with them, earning money from paper routes and making donuts for local businesses. Friends and family rallied to set her up as needed to care for her home and family.
When her youngest child was in school, she began working outside her home as Grant County Tag Agent. She was shy, but blossomed in this position. She had her young children come by after school and gave them small jobs to keep them occupied.
In 1976, her second oldest, son Keith, was severely injured in a fatality car accident. Norma stayed in Wichita KS to be near him for his 9 month hospital stay, participating in his care and learning how to continue his physical therapy at home. Keith had to learn to walk and talk again. She worked with him tirelessly and took him to physical therapy in nearby Enid. Then, she took a CNA night position so she could be available in the daytime.
In 1984 Norma moved to Pratt KS near her oldest son Kenny, and became a licensed in home childcare giver. Norma again blossomed. She loved the children dearly and they and their parents all know her lovingly as "Granny". She worked in this capacity until her health required retirement.
She accepted Jesus in her heart at a young age. He has carried her through and given her strength during her many hardships. His light would not go out and her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings. Also recently she was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Karrisa Renee (Divelbiss) Hargrove.
Norma is survived by her 6 children, Kenny and Kristi, Keith, Karen Washburn, John, Susanne and Joe Skoda, and Patty Fox. 17 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
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