Norma Jean Hames, 57

Norma Jean Hames was born Nov. 25, 1948, to William and Mae (Hinton) Hames in Scobey, and passed away July 18, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Norma grew up and attended school in Peerless. A hard worker all her life, Norma spent time as a "juggie" in the oil exploration industry in North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Texas, and also worked as a certified nurses aide supervisor in Kalispell. Most recently she was an embroidery artist in Whitefish. She loved the creativity of her job, and her talent and craftsmanship can be seen in the many loving gifts she made for her family and friends.

She was involved in the Moose Lodge and was one mean pool player.

Norma is survived by her two children, Cassie LaPierre-Shuck of Port Angeles, Wash., and Aaron LaPierre of Superior; her grandchildren, Jordan, Nathan, Elizabeth and Bridger LaPierre, also of Superior; her brother, C.A. Hames, of Glasgow; her sisters, Ellen Hames and Debbie Jones of Kalispell, Wanda Morrison of Spokane, and Win Slota of Port Angeles; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and infant brother, James Neil Hames.

Her fun and free spirit will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. today, July 21, at Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Drive, in Kalispell. All are invited to share their memories of Norma.

Memorial donations can be made to Moose Charities, earmarked for Mooseheart.

She will be buried with her mother in Scobey, at a later date - "together forever."

Her sudden death has been both tragic and miraculous. Norma thankfully did not suffer, and the circumstances of her death allowed for life-giving donations of her organs. She will live on in others, as well as in the hearts of her family and friends.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Norma's family.