Norma Leavene

Norma Leavene 98, of Moberly, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

Norma Irene Leavene entered into Heaven on the evening of March 15, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones serenading her with the voices of angels.  She was welcomed into the arms of Jesus Christ, as well as her beloved husband Robert who she loved for 73 years and missed for the last 7, her daughter Cheryl Holcomb who she missed for the past 40 years, and grandsons Brad Holcomb and Tyler Orscheln.

Norma Irene Leavene was born on August 6, 1924 to Chester Hayes Maxey and Elizabeth Margie Cupp Maxey in Moberly, Missouri where she resided for all of her years.  Robert and Norma were married in 1942 and grew their family with five children who were their greatest accomplishment.  Norma exceled as a homemaker, creating a home of unconditional love for her children, a supportive wife and a true matriarch to all the generations to come.  Norma was the proud mother to Robert “Bobby” (Marj) Leavene of Columbia, MO;  Linda (Lynn) Roberts of Hot Springs, AR; Nancy (Shadi) Nikfarjam of Louisville, KY; Cherly Holcomb who preceded her in death, and Lori (Tony) Cooper of Moberly, MO.   She then became Nannan and is survived by her grandchildren: Kristan Jones, Jenneth (Steve) Workman, Jeremy (Surraya) Leavene, Matt (Tonya) Roberts, Bart (Grisell) Roberts, David (Elizabeth) Roberts, Leslie Roberts, Sara (Steve) Jeffery, Rachel (Nadim Kanafani) Orscheln, Rebekah (Mark) Miles, Gabrielle (Rafe) Heng, Brendan (Brittany) Orscheln, Nicolas (Paige) Orscheln, Allen DeJonge, Jennifer (Aaron) Lively, Taegan (Brad) Shearer, Jordan (Jamie) Swartz, Cameron (Megan) Orscheln, Caitlyn (Josh) Roth, Abigail Orscheln and Cheryl Orscheln.  She had the pleasure of 42 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.  Norma was the quintessential mom and Nannan to so many more.  Once a part of her circle of love, she loved you unconditionally from that day forward and anyone else that you brought to meet her. 

Nannan enjoyed bringing her family together with the best homemade Sunday dinners and always having enough to welcome anyone who showed up.  She had a witty sense of humor and didn’t hesitate to let you know what was on her mind.  Nannan never missed having an Easter basket ready, sending a birthday card, or wrapping our gifts with candy.  She has left each of us with a piece of her, which will live on forever.

Norma also enjoyed serving the Daughters of the American Colonist, cherishing her time as the National President and traveling to all 50 states.  She also enjoyed time with her husband traveling to the local garage sales on Saturdays, staying at campsites with the Highway Hoppers, and trips to Myrtle Beach. 

She will undoubtedly be missed, but we will rejoice in her reunification with her Lord and those she missed so much.  It was a beautiful 98 years that she was able to bless this earth; Heaven has a new angel.

The family would like to thank our dear cousin Gina and the caretakers with Meadow Ridge and Encompass Health Hospice for your care during the times we couldn’t be there. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at a visitation to be held Saturday, March 18, 2023, 2pm – 4pm, at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services honoring and celebrating Norma’s life will follow at 4 pm.  Private committal prayer and burial will take place at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery.