Norma Thompson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Norma J. Thompson, age 73, of Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at her home, following an illness. 

Norma was born on March 18, 1943 in Hays, Ks., the daughter of the late Mike and Georgina (Wassinger) Sander. Norma graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian Class of 1961. She married William “Bill” Thompson on October 2, 1965. Bill's Naval enlistment carried the couple from coast to coast eventually settling in Joplin, Missouri. Together they raised three sons. The eldest of eight siblings from a German Catholic family, Norma was a selfless loving mother, wife, sister, and caregiver. She devoted her life to raising her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gospel / bluegrass music, polka dancing, summer road trips back to Hays and in general keeping everyone around her in order. 

Norma is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Bill Thompson, Joplin; three sons, Reed Thompson and wife Jody, Mike Thompson and wife Danielle, and Joe Thompson and wife Kelly, all of Joplin; four brothers, Marvin Sander, Hays, Ks., Larry Sander and wife Rhonda, Hays, Ks., Melvin Sander, Hays, Ks., and Mike Sander, Frisco, Tx.; three sisters, Darlene Johnson and husband Bill, Longmont, Co., Linda Fisher and husband Frances, Hays, Ks., and Debbie Kuhn, Hays, Ks.; and six grandchildren, Dylan Thompson, Bailey Thompson, Will Thompson, Marshal Blank, Joe Blank, and Matthew Garrity. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Joplin. Reverend Father J. Friedel will officiate. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Jamey Garrity, Adam Geibler, Joe Blank, Marshal Blank, Matt Garrity, Dylan Thompson, and Garyn Colson. 

A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday with a visitation to follow at Mason-Woodard Chapel. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory, Joplin, MO.