Norma Pearson

Norma Eilleen Pearson (Martin), born on December 14, 1934, in Abilene, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime so freely giving.

To know Norma was to know unconditional love. Her life was one of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and the kind of warmth that could calm any storm. She was the heart of her family—steadfast, nurturing, and always near with open arms and a listening ear.

Born in Abilene during the Great Depression, Norma’s early years were shaped by both resilience and hope. During World War II, her family moved west as her father worked in the orange fields of California. But Kansas always called her home, and she returned to Wichita, where she planted her roots and built a life full of meaning, love, and laughter in the same home she cherished since 1987.

Norma had a heart that never ran out of room. She was a mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother—but more than titles, she was a source of light for everyone who knew her. She was the kind of woman who would give her last dime to make sure others didn’t go without. You never left her presence without a tight hug, a whispered prayer, and an “I love you.” And if she forgot to say it—she’d call you right back just to make sure you heard it.

Her passions were simple, yet full of joy: playing Bingo with her friends, feeding her squirrels in the backyard, coloring quietly in her favorite chair, or laughing along to Scooby-Doo cartoons. In every small moment, she found beauty.

Throughout her life, Norma worked various jobs and lovingly ran a home daycare, where her nurturing spirit extended to countless children who still remember her kindness today. But her true legacy is not found in titles or accomplishments—it’s in the way she made people feel: seen, safe, and deeply loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Audrey Shank and Marilyn Sanderson; her brother Gaylord Martin; her baby sister Carol Martin; her brothers-in-law Jack Shank and Tom Gultney, Betty Srader; and her grandson, Jesse Srader.

She is survived by her sister, Jonetta Gultney; her children: Linda Rucker, Terry Srader (Kathy), Jerl Srader, Scott Srader, and Tedi Bowen (Kevin); 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and her fur babies, Cricket and Sassy who will carry forward her love, her faith, and her memory for generations to come.

Her favorite songs will accompany her home:

My Way – Elvis Presley

Crying in the Chapel – Elvis Presley

In the Garden – Alan Jackson

Norma often said, “Never go to bed angry, and never miss a chance to say ‘I love you.’” These were not just words to her, but a way of life—a guiding light for all who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

She adored the color red, and her hands were rarely seen without her signature red nail polish. If you feel a warm breeze, hear a gentle whisper, or see a red bird cross your path, know she is near—watching over you, smiling with love, and reminding you that her spirit is never far.

She was grace in motion, love in its purest form, and faith lived out loud. Her memory will forever be a blessing, and her legacy a promise: to love fiercely, forgive freely, and always say “I love you.”

• A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 31st at Broadway Mortuary, with inurnment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
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• Memorials have been established with:
• Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice
• 313 S Market St,
• Wichita, KS 67202
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• American Cancer Society
• PO Box 22718
• Oklahoma City, OK 73123