Norma Lee Smith

Norma Lee Smith, 88, of Oskaloosa passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Services Serenity House. Norma Lee Smith, daughter of Harold Leonard and Bernice (Whitehead) Phillips, was born September 18, 1926, in New Sharon, Iowa. She married Frank “Toad” Garwood Smith Jr., September 25, 1943 in Lancaster, MO and they initially made their home in Oskaloosa where Norma Lee was a homemaker. In the 1950’s they moved to Barnes City where they owned and operated Smith Tavern, it was a tavern and a pool hall and Norma offered lunches as well. They later returned to Oskaloosa and Norma Lee attended the Ottumwa Beauty Academy. After graduating, she opened Lee’s Beauty Shop, which she operated for 15 years. She worked as beautician for a total 25 years. Norma Lee later worked at the Hy-Vee Bakery and for the last 17 years of her work life worked as a greeter for Wal-Mart. She retired at the age of 78. Norma Lee was an avid fisherwoman and enjoyed camping, playing cards, knitting, crocheting and bowling, she bowled on the Lee’s Beauty Shop team. Her handle was Granny Giggles, as a member of the Oskaloosa C.B. Club; she was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles Auxiliary. She attended the Good News Chapel. Her family includes her children and their spouses: Marla Jo and Terry Fielder and Michael Lee and Nellie Smith, all of Oskaloosa; eight grandchildren: Amanda Lee Willamon, Luke Jacob Willamon, Kathy Lee Smith, Tina Marie Smith, Beth Padgett, Tina Gordon, Rich Mateer and Jerry Lee Mateer Jr.; six great grandchildren: Nickie Padgett, Kathryn Ryken, Samantha Ann Padgett, Hope Marie Ryken, Zachary Scott Mateer, and Shalyn Mateer; three great great grandchildren: Tucker, Kylee and Hayden; a sister, Billie Marie Davis of Pleasantville, IA; and her nieces and nephews: Susan Marie Sheehy, Sally (Leland) Vanderlinden, Steve Lynn Sheehy and Sara Lou (Bill) Landstrom. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and an infant brother, Merrill Lloyd Phillips. Funeral services for Norma Lee will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 11, at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Pastor Alvern Boetsma of the Good News Chapel officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral chapel; the family will be present from 5-7 p.m. to greet visitors. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #34. PDF Printable Version

Norma Lee Smith

September 18, 1926 - February 7, 2015