In Memory Of
Norma Katherine Bigham
1925
2014
Norma Katherine Bigham
March 4, 1925 — February 27, 2014
Norma Katherine Bigham, daughter of Ture Adolph and Lottie Viola (Bean) Olson, was born March 4, 1925 on a farm west of Russell, KS. Her death occurred on February 27, 2014 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, KS where she had resided for six years.
Upon her parents' purchase of a farm near Luray, KS, Norma began first grade at the age of five and graduated from Luray High School. She graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg with a Bachelor's of Art degree.
Norma began her career teaching Art and Gym at Washington High School in Kansas City, KS. On Valentine's Day in 1948, she met James F. Bigham. They were united in marriage on June 1, 1948. Norma could be quoted to say, "I quit teaching Art but I'm still teaching Jim." The couple moved from Kansas City to Luray, KS in 1966 where they owned Markley Motors and farmed. Upon retiring in 1994, Jim and Norma moved to their mountain home near Drake, CO where they created a retreat for friends, family and even welcomed strangers off the road. Due to failing health, the couple returned to Kansas in 2007. After almost 65 years of marriage, Jim preceded Norma in death in 2012.
Norma was an avid gardener and enjoyed painting, journaling and hiking mountain trails. She was a member of the Chapel of the Interlude, Drake, CO. Her faith in Christ was evidenced in her daily life by her warm heart for people and by her spoken testimony.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother, Lawrence, two sisters, Fern Olson and Dorothy William and a great grandson, Hudson James Viets.
Surviving are her sisters, Kathleen Norman of Thornton, CO, Berta Botkin of Cassoday, KS, and Sharon Cochran of Russell, KS and her children, Jamie (Galen) Hawk of Topeka, KS, Jerry (Carolyn) Bigham of Luray, KS, Jay (Judi) Bigham of Loveland, CO and Janis Ahsmuhs of Overland Park, KS, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Christ Lutheran Church, 3509 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, KS 66611 and at a later date at Drake, CO. Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions in Norma's memory may be made to either the Alzheimer's Association 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102 Topeka, KS 66614, Aldersgate Village Good Samaritan Fund 7220 SW Asbury Drive Topeka, KS 66614, or to the Chapel of the Interlude, 1600 US Hwy 34, Drake, CO 80515
To share a special memory of Norma or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
Upon her parents' purchase of a farm near Luray, KS, Norma began first grade at the age of five and graduated from Luray High School. She graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg with a Bachelor's of Art degree.
Norma began her career teaching Art and Gym at Washington High School in Kansas City, KS. On Valentine's Day in 1948, she met James F. Bigham. They were united in marriage on June 1, 1948. Norma could be quoted to say, "I quit teaching Art but I'm still teaching Jim." The couple moved from Kansas City to Luray, KS in 1966 where they owned Markley Motors and farmed. Upon retiring in 1994, Jim and Norma moved to their mountain home near Drake, CO where they created a retreat for friends, family and even welcomed strangers off the road. Due to failing health, the couple returned to Kansas in 2007. After almost 65 years of marriage, Jim preceded Norma in death in 2012.
Norma was an avid gardener and enjoyed painting, journaling and hiking mountain trails. She was a member of the Chapel of the Interlude, Drake, CO. Her faith in Christ was evidenced in her daily life by her warm heart for people and by her spoken testimony.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother, Lawrence, two sisters, Fern Olson and Dorothy William and a great grandson, Hudson James Viets.
Surviving are her sisters, Kathleen Norman of Thornton, CO, Berta Botkin of Cassoday, KS, and Sharon Cochran of Russell, KS and her children, Jamie (Galen) Hawk of Topeka, KS, Jerry (Carolyn) Bigham of Luray, KS, Jay (Judi) Bigham of Loveland, CO and Janis Ahsmuhs of Overland Park, KS, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Christ Lutheran Church, 3509 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, KS 66611 and at a later date at Drake, CO. Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions in Norma's memory may be made to either the Alzheimer's Association 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102 Topeka, KS 66614, Aldersgate Village Good Samaritan Fund 7220 SW Asbury Drive Topeka, KS 66614, or to the Chapel of the Interlude, 1600 US Hwy 34, Drake, CO 80515
To share a special memory of Norma or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma Katherine Bigham, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Topeka
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