Norma Mills

(From Neptune Society)

Norma Jean Mills (née Blochberger), age 91, passed away comfortably on June 16, 2025, at Oakmont of Las Vegas Memory Care in Las Vegas, Nevada. A bright star to all who knew her, Norma was known for her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and a lifelong love of learning and reading.

Born on April 12, 1934, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Norma was the daughter of Charles W. and Ruth M. Blochberger. She grew up in Leavenworth and attended Leavenworth Public Schools before graduating from Leavenworth High School. During her high school years, she played clarinet in the band and worked behind the counter at her parents' Blochberger Dairy Store across the street from the school.

Norma pursued higher education with determination. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois. She later completed a Master of Science in Education and Secondary Education Administration from Pittsburg State University in Crawford, Kansas.

Her career as an educator spanned more than three decades. Norma began teaching high school Science in Webb City, Missouri, where she worked for eight years. It was there that she met Harold L. Mills; they married on June 17, 1958, and shared 41 years together until Harold's passing in 1999. Norma helped care for Harold's two daughters and grandchildren.

Norma continued her teaching career in Joplin Public Schools for 24 years. She taught high school Science for five years before transitioning into Administration for the remaining 19 years. She retired from Parkwood/Joplin High School in 1988 as Dean of Students. In this role, she guided students to make good choices with strength and fairness while always putting their needs first. Her leadership left a lasting impact. Students were very grateful for her guidance on their education and behavior. Faculty members were inspired by her helpfulness, especially encouraging women to pursue careers in educational administration.

After retiring, Norma and Harold relocated to Las Vegas in 1993. They embraced desert living and enjoyed exploring the Western United States. Together they shared a love for travel and antiques, often cruising to various destinations around the world-one of Norma's fondest memories was sailing through the Panama Canal. Following Harold's death, Norma remained active in her community as President of her condominium association's HOA for several years. She loved entertaining family and friends from Kansas and Missouri, graciously showing them around her adopted city.

Norma is lovingly remembered by her brothers Charles Blochberger of Palm Springs, California; Fred (Susan) Blochberger of Lenexa, Kansas; her sister Gloria Woods of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren Lisa Ruble of Springfield, Missouri; Bart (Jayme) Mathre of St. Louis, Missouri; Cody Mathre of Springfield, Missouri; nephews Keith (Colleen) Foster of Jefferson City, Missouri; Peter (Lindsey) Blochberger of Overland Park, Kansas; Scott (Paige) Blochberger of Lenexa, Kansas; five great-grandchildren; and a great-niece and great-nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles W. and Ruth M. Blochberger; her husband Harold L. Mills; and stepdaughters Patty Mathre and Sandy Mills.

Norma's intelligence guided her to consider different perspectives with fairness and empathy. She deeply cared for those around her-family, friends, colleagues, and students alike-always striving to help others feel loved and empowered to succeed.

Cremation was Norma's end-of-life plan. No services are planned at this time.

May memories of Norma bring comfort and peace to all who knew her. She will forever live in our hearts.