Norma Mae Hallett Kelley

Norma Mae Hallett Kelley, 85, of Lawrence, Kansas died October 1, 2023, at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook, Kansas. Norma was born on June 23, 1938, on the family farm in Rush Center, Kansas to Zelma Mae (Moore) Hallett and Ernest Eugene Hallett.  She married Donald I. Kelley on January 11, 1958, in LaCrosse, Kansas. They had four children, Terry Kelley (Jill) of Austin, TX., Enid “Beth” Kelley of Lawrence, Kansas, Shari Bussinger (Larry) of Lawrence, Kansas and Scott Kelley of Lawrence, Kansas.

Norma was a homemaker when her children were young and also had the enjoyment of getting to babysit may of the neighborhood children through the years. Norma also cared for Beth at home until she was unable to do so, and they were great friends. Norma was a lover of animals and children.  She was very proud to able to watch her grand children grow up along with her great grandson. When her children went to school, Norma, worked out of the home at numerous school cafeterias, Furrs Cafeteria, Watkins Museum and Douglas County Senior Services all in Lawrence, Kansas.

Norma is survived by her children, one sister Charlotte Hallett Peters of LaCrosse, Ks., granddaughter, MaKenzie Ganger (Travis) and great grandson Lane of Auburn, Ks., grandson, Alex Kelley and granddaughter Kate Kelley of Austin, TX.

During her life Norma was an avid KU basketball fan always rooting for her Jayhawks as well as her dear love to dance and socialize with her friends.  She was one to never miss her coffee dates at Target and Dunkin Donuts. She was a true love of what life had to offer and so loved her family. Norma will be truly missed by her family. ROCK CHALK

There will be a visitation on Thursday, October 5, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Ks from 4pm – 7pm.  There will be a graveside service on Friday, October 6, at LaCrosse City Cemetery, LaCrosse, Ks. at 2 pm. Following the burial there will be a Celebration with a light lunch at the Rush Center Senior Center in Rush Center, Kansas.