Our mother was a remarkable woman. She was born October 17, 1928 in Springville, Utah to Lucille and Orval Lunceford. She was the oldest of three children. In 1929, she moved with her parents to Los Angeles, California where she spent her younger years before moving back to Utah in 1942.

Norma met her sweetheart James Doyle Orton at a church party in Springville, Utah during the Christmas holidays in 1944. After Jim was discharged from the Navy in June 1946 they resumed their courtship and were married June 5, 1947 in the Manti Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They lived in Provo, Utah while Jim finished his schooling at Brigham Young University. Norma was also attending BYU but soon decided to work full time to support Jim. It was during this work experience that she found a job in a bakery. Here she learned the art of cake decorating. She used this art throughout her life as a self employed wedding caterer. She loved making wedding cakes. And as an added bonus she could be a stay at home mom.

When Jim graduated from BYU in August, 1951, he accepted a job in Richland, Washington. This meant a move away from family for both of them. But they made new friends-friends almost as close as family and soon became part of the early community of Richland.

Her life revolved around her family. She and Dad had four children. She loved them all and as they grew and married she added their four spouses as her kids. She was delighted with her growing family and celebrated as grandchildren and great grandchildren were added.

When her children were grown, she was asked by Battelle Northwest to create an executive lunchroom at the facility. She enjoyed this new endeavor very much. She met many new and interesting people from all over the world in the 22 years she worked there.

She had a love of flowers and gardening. She loved working in her yard and creating a place of beauty. She enjoyed making and giving bouquets of roses. Her home was always filled with vases of cut flowers.

Norma loved her Heavenly Father and her Savior Jesus Christ. She was an active member of the Crestview ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in various Church callings. Her service during her younger years was mainly with the youth. She served as Junior Sunday Coordinator and also served over 20 years in the ward and stake Young Women program. In later years, she served the women as Relief Society President. She and her husband were also able to serve a mission at the LDS Employment Center in Kennewick, Washington.

Norma and Jim celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1997 with a big party. Two months later, Jim unexpectedly passed away. She bravely picked up the pieces and went on but missed him terribly. On August 10, 2012 Norma passed away peacefully at her home. Her family rejoices in the knowledge that their parents are now reunited.

She is survived by a brother, Jess Lunceford Kathy Springville, Utah and her children Diane Jacks Dan Richland, WA, Byron Marsha Bend, OR, Susan Wells Dan Gig Harbor, WA and Karen Rose Tracy Richland, WA. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 23 great grand children.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents, and her sister, Hazel Peterson.

Viewing will be Thursday, August 16, 2012 from 5 to 8 pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. Services will be Friday, August 17, 2012 at 1:00 at the LDS Stake Center on Thayer Drive in Richland.

The family would like to thank Hospice at The Chaplaincy for the loving way in which they helped us care for our mom.