BENTON

KEMMERLY, NORMA JEAN, 87 , passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Kansas Medical Center with her loving sons at her side. Norma Jean was born on June 21, 1931 in Bussey, Iowa to Albert and Marie Cox. She spent her early years living through the depression and enjoyed shooting her dad's single shot 22 that her mom would use to bring meat home for supper. She graduated from high school in 1946. Norma Jean worked as a personal secretary at Maytag and played for the Maytag Girl's Basketball Team. She loved her country and was a true patriot supporting the military whole heartedly; she was even recruited to work for the CIA. She enjoyed being active and playing sports and bowled for the Towanda Ladies Bowling League. Norma Jean was very charitable making donations to the VFW, DAV and a Cheyenne American Indian charity. She was a member of the Benton United Methodist Church and loved knitting, genealogy and sewing, even making clothes for herself and her daughter. Norma Jean's passion was for March Madness and she especially loved the Kansas Jayhawks, ringing a cowbell every time they would score.

N orma Jean is survived by her sons David and Clay; grandchildren Benjamin and Katie; great grandchildren Brady and Evelyn; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Marie; husband Richard; daughter Nanette; grandson Timothy and sister Florence.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Benton United Methodist Church, 14300 SW 20th St, Benton, KS 67017.