Norma Jean (nee Packer) Deibert, 81, of Laramie, died Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. Norma was born August 11, 1935 in Rapid City, South Dakota, the youngest child of Robert and Blanche (McGillivray) Packer. Her younger years were spent on the family ranch in Cedar Canyon, South Dakota. She attended Vrooman Country School, a one room school house, through the 6th grade and then attended school in Faith, South Dakota. She graduated from Faith High School in 1954.
Norma met August Deibert, who would become the love of her life and her best friend, at her 1st Spelling Bee when she was in elementary school. After a lengthy courtship, they were married on June 12, 1954 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota when August returned from serving his Country in Korea.
During their 62 years of married life, they lived primarily in Rapid City, South Dakota and Laramie, Wyoming. They also lived briefly in Bison, South Dakota and Monte Vista, Colorado. They were blessed with five children.
Norma worked all of her life. In addition to raising her own children, she cared for other children in her home and took in ironing. She later worked in the x-ray department at St. John’s McNamara Hospital in Rapid City; as the receptionist in a doctor’s office in Monte Vista; and in the office of the Wyoming State Veterinary Lab from which she retired in 1991. After retirement, she enjoyed being a Foster Grandparent to Kindergarten children at Indian Paintbrush Elementary School.
Norma had many interests and hobbies. She was often heard singing and enjoyed music, played several instruments, started the “Kitchen Bandits” Band at the Eppson Center, and loved to dance. She sang in the choir at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church and was a member of the Eppson Center’s “Melodees” singing group for many years. She also taught several line dancing classes at the Eppson Center, often taking her group to perform at different venues in Laramie. She was an excellent seamstress and made most of her children’s clothing when they were young, fashioned both of her daughters’ wedding dresses and sewed matching square dance clothing for her and August and their family members. She enjoyed crocheting and an assortment of craft projects. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life and she loved attending their special events. She never missed remembering them on their birthday, holiday or a special moment in their life.
She was a member of the Quadra Dangle Square Dance Club for many years, a member of St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Parish and at the time of her death, was a member of St. Paul’s Newman Center Catholic Parish.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Arlene Munroe, her brother Dale Packer and granddaughter Kara Lanka. Surviving her are her husband, August, daughters Sheila (Bob) Lanka, Susie (Pat) Kidwiler, all of Laramie; sons Brian (Becky) Deibert, Sierra Vista, AZ; Brad (Lenore) Deibert, Greensburg, PA; and Barry (Pat) Deibert, near Buford, WY; her sister Gladys (Toots) Pullins, Hot Springs, South Dakota; grandchildren Michael, Matt and Stephanie Deibert residing in Pennsylvania; Amy Deibert, Kelsey Kidwiler and Aaron Lanka residing in Cheyenne; Tim Deibert and Sean Kidwiler residing in Laramie; and Darcy Deibert residing near Buford; and numerous extended family members including brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Vigil and Rosary will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Newman Center. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Newman Center with Reverend Rob Spaulding, celebrant. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s name to Saint Joseph’s Children’s Home, P. O. Box 117, Torrington, WY 82240 and/or to a Children’s Charity or Foundation of your choice.
Dear August & Family, Thinking of you and your family and extending deepest sympathy to all. I have been friends with Norma for many years. She was a great line dance teacher and put a lot of work into her classes and performances around Laramie. She will be missed by all who knew her. Shirley Hancock
Barry, Pat and Deibert Family, The staff of Wyoming Public Media send condolences in the death of Norma Jean Deibert. We know she will be greatly missed. We appreciate your support of Wyoming Public Radio.
Augie and Family, I'm so sorry. I so enjoyed knowing Norma through Melodies and the Senior Center. I'm not able to attend the service, but I'll be thinking about you.
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Norma. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Praying for the entire family in this time of sorrow.
Dear August & Family: Deepest condolences. Norma was a really good friend to me; we even sang a Christmas duet years ago at a Melodies program. I have missed her since I left Laramie. Loretta Matheson
Dear August and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Norma will be so missed by anyone whoever met her, she was such a Wonderful and Caring person. She Loved all her children and grandchildren, the Joy in her voice and smile said it all whenever you would ask about her Family! Patti and Ace Malsom
We are sorry for your loss. Lots of memories square dancing with Norma and family at the Quadra Dangle. Thoughts and Prayers!!!
Gus, Susie, Brain, Barry, Shelia, Brad, I will miss running to your mom at various places around town. My first memories are at the Quadra dangle learning how to square dance. Norma always had a smile no matter what was going on and words of wisdom. Please find comfort in the memories you share and know that she lives within each of your hearts. God Bless and my prayers and thoughts are with you well you navigate this difficult time.
I will miss seeing Norma at the Quadradangle and will always have fond memories of her. My thoughts and prayers are with August and his family.
Dear Barry and family, deepest sympathies. Thoughts & Prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of Norma's death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We appreciated so much your friend ship while we lived in Laramie. God Bless you all. Zane and Gladys Geis
Our sincere sympathy to all of you for your loss. We are sure you all have many wonderful memories of your wife and mother. From the South Dakota Kidwilers - Mary, Roger, Jason, Jennifer, Craig, Nicholas and Ethan
We send our sympathy and condolences. Norma was a lovely lady whom we admired greatly. She will be missed.
Dear August and family, Norma will be missed by all. She was an inspriation to all who knew her. All fo the Deiberts have kept square dancing alive in Laramie. Gary & Nell Coffey
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Lucinda & Susan Falkner
August & Family We are sorry for your Loss. All of you are in our prayers. Danny & Becky Delorey
My deepest sympathies to the family of Norma Jean. The loss of a dear loved one is one of the most difficult things to ever go through. I wanted to share the comforting promise of a resurrection found in the Bible at John 5:28,29. Please let the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) give you strength, comfort and hope during this time of sorrow.