Norma Jean Bird

Norma Jean Bird, 85, passed away in her home in El Dorado, KS on March 28, 2024, and went to be with Jesus.  Norma was born and raised in Springfield, MO to Mack and Mable Whitlock. After high school she moved around the country and overseas with her first husband Don Bird and their four children with the military. Norma and Don settled in Ramona, KS where she lived for almost 30 years. Her and Don were married for almost 50 years before he proceeded her in death in 2006.

In 2008, she found love again and was married to Zeb Wright. They celebrated almost 16 wonderful loving years together. While Norma suffered from many health issues over the past several years, Zeb made it his life’s mission to help care for her at home. They often both said that everyone should get the opportunity to share a love like theirs in their lifetime.

For much of her life, she was an antique dealer and ran her store Norma’s Attic in Ramona and Herington, KS. She also worked in home health. Norma loved to watch things grow, whether it was her gorgeous gardens, the children she taught in Sunday school, or her grandchildren’s bellies as she cooked delicious meals. She had an amazing green thumb and was known for her beautiful flower beds, ponds, orchards and vegetable gardens. Cooking meals fresh from the garden was one of her favorite things to do. You were quite lucky if you were the one enjoying it!  She was an amazing cook! Norma was also a follower of Jesus and loved everyone.  She would remind everyone, that Jesus is love. She attended Rosebank Church for many years where she taught Sunday school as well as being a board member. She loved volunteering and helping others. Many families in need would often come to her for food or household supplies. She would never turn anyone needing help away and she always made everyone feel special and loved. She would be upset if we failed to mention she was a very proud democrat!  If you knew her, she could be quite ornery, mischievous, and full of pure love, leading her to have a very special bond and relationship with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would always tell each of them they were her very favorite. Her family was her greatest joy and blessing.

Norma is proceeded in death by her first husband Donald Bird Sr, son Donald (Donnie) Bird Jr, her parents and two siblings.

She is survived by her husband Zeb Wright, daughters Fern Leach, Cindy Bird, and Julie Bird (Mark), Grand Children, Jennifer Davis (Robert), Rachel Fenske (Jason), Mathew Leach, Joshua Leach (Ciara), Michael Shearer (Lacey), Katrina Frigault (Karen). Great Grand Children Alexander Fenske, Benjamin Davis, Isaac Fenske, Karter Shearer, Alayna Leach, Kade Shearer, Lily Fenske, Olyvia Darwin, and Dallas Shearer.

Her family will hold a private family celebration of life. In lieu of flowers or memorial we ask that you do an act of kindness in remembrance of Norma. She was the pure definition of love and the rock of our family. She will be missed beyond measure.