Norma Ruth Morton died at Parker Adventist Hospital on October 23, 2010, in Parker, Colo.

She was 82. Memorial services for Norma will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 29, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, Kan. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Reno County in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Norma, the oldest of three children, was born to James Dwight and Ruth Gregory on Dec. 1, 1927, in Garden City, Kan. Norma spent her early years in Sublette, Kan., and later, in Beaver, Okla., where she made many lasting friendships. After graduating high school, and spending a year working in Beaver, Norma began attending college in Norman, Okla. Devoted to the piano, she found several venues that enabled her to exhibit her skills, skills which her family enjoyed for many, many years. But college really wasn't what Norma wanted, so she found a job working for the Farmer's Cooperative in Hutchinson, Kan., where she met her future husband, Harry C. "Gus" Morton.

Norma and "Gus" were married on Nov. 29, 1947, in Beaver, Okla. In 1949, Norma and "Gus" moved to Ulysses, Kan., where they started a family. Shortly after moving to Ulysses, they had the first of their two children, Gregory, and two years later, Cynthia. During her time in Ulysses, Norma was very active in the Methodist Church, played the piano and organ whenever needed, participated in PEO, and of course, anything in which her children were involved. This included driving hundreds of miles to attend sporting events, band and choir concerts, and anything that was remotely associated with her children's activities. Her priorities were her children, her husband, her family and her friends, all of whom still feel the love and caring she gave to them, and all of whom will miss her!!

Following the departure of their children from home, Norma and "Gus" moved around a bit, finally landing in Fort Collins, Colo., in order to be closer to their children. Norma continued to be active in the Church, as well as PEO, and her presence was a blessing to those she touched. After "Gus" passed away in 1994, Norma moved to Sterling, Colo., where she again made many friends, participated in Church activities, and attended PEO meetings. She will be missed by many!!!

Norma is survived by her two children, a son, Gregory C. Morton of Parker, Colo.; a daughter, Cynthia Holcomb of Haxtun, Colo.; a granddaughter, Melissa Bradley of Parachute, Colo.; and two great grandchildren, Zachariah David Bradley and Zoey Dawn Bradley.