Norma Thompson left this life for her heavenly home on October 21, 2023.
Norma Alice Strom was born April 26, 1930 to Norman and Florence (Dearchs) Strom. She grew up in the wilds of the Sheep Mountain Ranch, which was homesteaded by her grandfather in 1906. The ranch became one of the largest sheep ranches in Albany County and was a big part of Norma’s life. She went to the Strom school with her siblings, Richard, Ruth, Roy and Wilma, (sister Marilyn came later) and graduated from Laramie High School in 1949. Norma spent many days herding sheep and riding her beloved horse, Cheyenne.
During a Halloween party at Woods Landing, she accepted a dance with Robert H. Thompson (Bob), whose family had recently moved to a ranch in the Big Laramie Valley. They were married less than a year later in 1951. They worked and lived on various ranches in the area, finally settling on her father’s ranch to raise sheep, hay, chickens, a milk cow and four children, Darrell, Wayne, Clay and Cathy. When the ranch sold in 1972, they moved back to the property that Bob had kept from his family’s ranch in the Laramie Valley. Here Bob and Norma built up the ranch where they would spend the rest of their lives.
Norma loved to bake. Her breads and cakes were renowned in the Harmony community. For many years she entered her baked goods at the County and State Fairs, where she won many a ribbon and platter. As a 4-H leader she passed on her baking and cake decorating talents to young 4-H members. She loved to chaperone at the State Fair and did so for many years. She worked for several years at the UW Washakie Bakery and made biscuits and prepared pancake batter for community events. She ran the Big Laramie Country Fair and sold her baked goods from her booth-oven which was a fairy-tale delight to visitors.
Norma was a long-time member of the Harmony Home and Community Club, Harmony Sunday School and Farm Bureau. Norma traveled the country as Bob’s copilot during his long tenure as a director with Carbon Power & Light and on the Wyoming State Rural Fire Board. She loved to sing old church hymns, sounding out her unwavering faith in God. Most of all, she loved to dance the jitterbug and polkas with her life partner, Bob.
Norma is preceded in death by her mother and father, siblings Richard, Ruth, Roy and Wilma, and her husband Bob. She is survived by Marilyn (Dave) Withrow, children Darrell (Marianne), Wayne, Clay (Jennifer), and Cathy Reyes; two grandsons Kyle Endsley and Colter Thompson plus many nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. Reception to follow.
Today someone asked me if I was related to the Norma Strom who recently died. I do not get the paper and did not hear about her death until today. Darrell, Wayne, Clay and Cathy, I am sorry I missed her funeral. I have many happy memories of her at the ranch,, in 4-H and Christmas at the ranch when our grandparents were alive. I especially remember all the baked goods. I have not found a carrot cake that tastes anywhere near as good as the one she backs.. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darrell and Wayne. I am sending you guys my deepest condolences. It is a hard time when you lose a loved one She will be greatly missed take care of yourselves From Joan Crawford McGee. My email address is [email protected]
So sorry to hear of Normas’s passing. Always enjoyed her and loved the biscuits and ham gravy on Easter Sunday! Prayers to the family.
Wayne, Clay. Cathy and Darrell: I have nothing but the humblest thankfulness for how much your Mom and Dad, and each of you, welcomed me into your lives a lifetime ago. I will long remember and appreciate your Mom's genuine kindness and her caring heart for all she did for you and for the rest of us, as well. Her life was well-lived and authentic. By the way, no one ever topped her Chocolate Cream Pie. No one.
Darrell and Wayne, we are sending our deepest condolences to you. Your mom was legendary and will be missed. I know you will cherish all the great memories. Mardell (Maurer) Aragon and Dominic Aragon
Cathy - I am sorry to hear about your mom. I am grateful for the support you have provided me in dealing with my mom so I know how much you cared for and supported your mom. I am sorry for the loss you are living with now. Take care and find peace in your love for each other. Melissa Marts
Sending heartfelt condolences to you, Cathy and your family. Love and Light, Robin Guthrie