Norma Vee Hardie passed away after a brief illness in Helena at the age of 70. Norma was born in Charlo, Montana to Norman V Turnquist and Mary Catherine (English) Turnquist on May 2, 1942. She attended school in Ronan, Denver and Helena. On June 22, 1962, Maurice Gene Hardie and Norma were married in Helena.
At the time of their marriage, Norma was working with the telephone company, Mountain Bell. They also owned and operated Hardie’s Delivery Service. During the various business ventures they ran, Norma was generally involved in the bookkeeping aspect for the businesses.
In 1969, after the birth of their third daughter, Norma changed her career and decided to stay home and take care of their children. During these years, it was not unusual for the girls to come home and have to do a treasure hunt to find the after-school snack Norma had made for them.
In 1980, Norma returned to work with the telephone company, initially Mountain Bell then US West and then Qwest. Norma retired from Qwest in 1998. After her retirement, Norma stayed home for a few years and then decided to get her CDL so she could go on the road with Maurice. Norma got her CDL and she ran a sleeper team with Maurice for three years before they both decided to retire and stay home.
Norma had many hobbies, including leather craft, painting wood and ceramics, collecting music boxes and frogs, anything to do with horses, and watching her kids and grandkids do just about anything.
Norma also participated in 4-H, the Ladies Club, the Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department and the Helena Valley Blues Saddle Club, as well as bowling leagues. Norma loved to snowmobile with Maurice up in Lincoln, Montana.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, the love of her life Maurice Gene Hardie, her brothers Bill Cooley and Steve Cooley and her sister-in-law Sandy Hardie.
Norma is survived by her daughters, Loretta Thomas, Laurice Anderson and LaRay Jenks, her grandchildren Terrance Thomas, Jeremy Jenks, Jordan Carey, Katelin Jenks and Justin Jenks, her brother-in-law Bill Hardie and his children Darryl Hardie, Debbie Rossmiller and Darcy Alm.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2012, at Last Chance Chapel in Birdseye. A reception will be held at the Church immediately following the memorial service.
Memorials in Norma’s name are suggested to the Cancer Treatment Center in care of St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, or to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer, Helena, MT 59601. Arrangements are under the direction of Retz Funeral Home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday December 1, 2012
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday December 1, 2012
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena , Montana 59602
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Charmaine Prowell says
Norma. You were like another Mom. Loretta and I spent so much time together under your watchful eye. I am so sorry that you are gone. My thoughts and prayers to your family, friends, those still here and those that you have now joined. My love to you all.
Patt Jenks says
Was sorry to hear of the passing of Norma. She will be missed by all. My prayers are with the family
Linda and Dennis says
Our prayers to your family. We will miss Norma, she was a fine lady. Norma say hello to Maurice for us.
Maureen "Enie" Fisher says
My Dearest Hardie girls and families,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all. Your Mother was a true friend and we had many adventurous snowmobile and camping trips together with our devoted husbands. I pray that they are having a wonderful time of friendship, laughter and reminiscing again today and always. We will all see them again one day and all be able to share the memories once again!! God Bless you all!! Hugs!!
Deziah Gilliam says
I am so sorry for your loss, your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers
Katherine boggs says
So sorry to her of Norma’s passing I know she will be greatly missed by all.
Angie Murray says
So sorry to hear about your mother. We all met at your grandmas house for coffee once in awhile and I sure enjoyed your mom’s fellowship. I pray you girls have peace through all this knowing your mom and dad are together again.
Linda Paulsen says
LaRay and family – I am so sorry for your loss. Moms are special people and I know how special she was to you LaRay. Keep all of the wonderful memories close to your heart. My prayers are with you and all of your family in this difficult time.
Lisa Strauch says
LaRay and family. Norma was a very special woman, she had such a big heart and was so loving. I will always be thankful for her being a special part of my son’s life.
Beverly HIll says
Just read of your loss and am sending our sympathy and prayers. We think of you and your family many times. Good memories! Bev, Krisann and Kim
Matt and Shelley Murphy says
LaRay and family, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of a great person, Norma. She will be always remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matt, Shelley and Luke Murphy
Edie Semenza McGee says
Retta, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom was a great person!
Arline, Vicki, Joel, and Troy Powers says
LaRay and family we are sorry to learn of your loss of your mom. We know you were the best of friends as well as a loving daughter. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.