Norma Loraine Knox

Norma Loraine Knox passed away peacefully on August 10, 2018 at the age of 87.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Freal and Catherine Van Winkle, brothers Bob, Ray and Bill "Rip” Van Winkle, husband Rod Knox and beloved daughter Catherine Meri Knox.  She is survived by her brother Dick Van Winkle, daughter Debye Wolf and Ken Wolf, daughter Sandi Crowe and husband Ralph, daughter Pam Knox, son Skip Knox and wife Tina.  Norma’s life was graced by the love of grandchildren Ken Wolf III and wife Jamie, Adam Wolf and Joey Salinas, Calynda Szmyd and husband Jared, Codaniel Johnson, Daniel Ruh and Danielle Cimbura and husband Ryan.  Great grandchildren rounded out her family with Ayden Wolf, Sydney Wolf, Rylinn Szmyd, Jensen Szmyd and Anniston Szmyd. Norma was born in Lincoln, Nebraska during the Great Depression.  She was the middle child of 5 with two older brothers, Bob and Ray, and two younger brothers, Bill and Dick.  When Norma’s mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease Norma helped care for her Mom and brothers.  Her natural caregiving abilities were evident even as a teenager.  Her daughter Catherine was born with Down’s Syndrome and Norma knew that life would give Catherine many challenges.  She shaped Catherine into a very capable, independent person which served her well throughout her life.  Norma extended her caregiving beyond her immediate family.  There are many others who have been graced by Norma’s care.    People were naturally drawn in by her generous nature and her kindness.  While she might not always agree with you she would always support you.  She offered her wisdom and advice, allowing you to decide on your next course of action.  She was considered "Mom” or "Grandma” by many who were not related to her!  Her impact on people’s lives will be felt for a lifetime. In recent years Norma gathered new friends in her apartment building.  She was part of a "family” within the building, friends and neighbors who cared for each other.  She enjoyed time with her friends playing bingo, singing with "Manor of Time” and monthly birthday bashes.  Her friends rallied around her when she was experiencing health challenges.  She and her family were very grateful for the support of her friends. Norma very graciously accepted her health conditions in the last two weeks of her life and made her wishes known.  She was able to see almost all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, helping us all accept the heart condition that would take her from us.  True to her nature she helped all of us through the challenges of her care, lifting our spirits and reassuring us that she was more than ready to join Catherine in heaven.  Norma will be greatly missed as Mom, Grandma, GG and friend. Memorial services will be held at Viegut Funeral Home in Loveland, Colorado on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 A.M.