Norma Jean Mossberger was born to Howard and Bessie Mossberger on January 24, 1931, in Grayville, Illinois. She had four sisters, Etta Ruth, Betty Lou, and twins Ellen Fay and Helen May along with baby brother, Bobby. Norma's dad passed away when she was nine. After completing the 8th grade, her mother required her help at home to raise her younger siblings and Bessie took in laundry and ironing to make ends meet.
Some years later Norma met her future husband, Leonard Swingle, on a blind date set up by her older sister, Etta. They were married in Grayville, Illinois, on September 8, 1951. The following year Barbara Jean was born, and soon to follow were Mary Jane, Jimmy Ray, David Neal, Cora Lynn and Burl Clinton. Being the wife of a school teacher with six young children was an adventure, often challenging, yet Norma never complained.
While living in a remote mountain cabin on Laramie Peak in Wyoming, Norma delivered two babies with no indoor plumbing. The family of eight moved to Gillette, Wyoming in 1966 where she finally owned her own home in 1971. Norma worked various housekeeping positions to earn money for extra comforts in their home.
On June 22, 1986, Leonard died suddenly. In later years, Norma developed dementia and macular degenerative disease requiring full time care. She lived with Barb in North Platte, Nebraska, for several years until moving into her final residence at the Sutherland Care Home in Sutherland, Nebraska. There Norma was loved and well cared for by all. Norma's sense of humor and tall stories kept them all laughing along with her.
She died January 28, 2022, after celebrating her 91st birthday with Cora, Mary and staff members. We will all remember her giggle and stories.
Her love for red roses, chocolates (which she claimed to have an allergy to) and her bridal doll collection are legendary, with many precious memories. Norma was a beautiful soul (a little wacky at times) but was never selfish or one to complain. Norma would do anything for her children. May she Rest In Peace, united with her loving husband, Leonard, and her Lord and Savior Jesus.
Norma was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Kristine Ann Crowder Kolczak; and great-granddaughter, Tayler Christiansen Witt.
Survivors include all six of her children, Barbara Crowder of Sante Fe, New Mexico, Mary (David) Bannister of Sundance, Wyoming, Jim (Ellen) Swingle of Laramie, Wyoming, David (Peggy) Swingle of Meridian, Idaho, Cora Huber of Spencer, Iowa, and Burl (Diane) Swingle of Nampa, Idaho. Survivors also include her sister, Ellen in Illinois; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren; as well as other family.
Graveside services will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. All in attendance need to check into the cemetery by 12:30 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.