Norma Jean Dunkle Spalding

Norma Jean Dunkle Spalding, 81, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 7:23 a.m., Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, Mo.

Norma was born June 14, 1941, in Moberly, Mo., to LeRoy and Ruth Lucille Vie Dunkle. She was married to Paul Spalding on Sept. 13, 1958, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palmyra, Mo. He preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 2022.

Survivors include her children, Paula Kroeger (Howard), F. Paul Spalding Jr, Julie Spalding-Willard (Jason), and Kevin Spalding; her best friend and neighbor, Anna; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Roy Dunkle, Charlie Dunkle and Lee Dunkle.

Norma was a simple and unassuming woman with a sweet smile and a loving heart. Although, she worked throughout her life in a few different professions, her true passion in life was her family. She was a devoted wife of 64 years, a loving mother and grandmother, and the neighborhood caregiver to so many. 

She savored the times she could spend outside in her yard, tending to her beautiful flower gardens and sitting in her swing, just enjoying the beauty of the hummingbirds and butterflies. 

Norma was very talented in creating lovely crochet Barbie and angel dresses and many other items. She loved to make and decorate cakes for her family, friends, and neighbors. Her devotion to them showing in the creations she made. 

When the time allowed, she enjoyed reading a good book, often one by Debbie Macomber or watching a good Hallmark channel movie. 

Norma will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

 A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 6, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel. Father Mike Quinn officiated. Burial was at Warren Cemetery in Warren, Mo.

Pallbearers were Dominik Walker, Steven Walker, Jay Willard, Derek O’Brien, Bob Roberts, Andy Kroeger, Evon Miller and Jason Willard.

Honorary pallbearers were great-grandchildren, Lance, Leland, Lola, Cotton, Case, Cole, Parker, Owen, C.J., Penelope, Sara, Raeson, Kaitlyn, Dixie and Davinity.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Maple Lawn Nursing Home.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.