Norma Snow

Norma Christine Henry Snow, a precious angel, joined our Father in Heaven on Thursday, May 18, at her home in Glendale, Arizona, surrounded by her family, following a 2 ½ year battle with lung cancer. Norma was born October 9, 1937 at the family farm house in Allamakee County, Iowa, the daughter of George and Olive Wagner Henry. Norma's family moved to Wisconsin, and later to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she went to McKinley High School. There, she was in the high school choir and the Girl's Athletic Association, playing softball, basketball and tennis, along with winning penmanship awards. After graduating, she was married and had her first child, Kenneth Dean. Her family then moved to California, where daughter Laura and son Brett were born. Several years later the family returned to settle in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Norma attended Kirkwood Community College and began working as one of the few women in the trade as a bindery journeyman, at Stamats Publishing. A great friend and fun-loving coworker, she and her circle of coworkers were affectionately known as "The Brew Crew". Norma is survived by her husband of 34 years, David L. Snow, daughter, Laura (Blake) Inlow, of Glendale, Arizona, son, Brett (Krissy) Thompson, of Garner, Iowa. Her surviving grandchildren, Kenneth L. Thompson, of Washington, Iowa, Spencer L. Thompson and Sidney C. Thompson, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jesse R. Davidson and Mychael E. Heather, both of Glendale, Arizona, and great-grandchild, Tessa Archibald, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Norma is also survived by her large extended family. Step-children, Dr. Daniel D. (Carol) Snow and Karyn Snow of Lincoln, Nebraska, Angie Ritz, of Maryland Heights, Missouri, step-grandchildren Phillip Snow, Emery Snow and Clarissa Snow of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ryan Ritz and Beth Ritz of Maryland Heights, Missouri, and step-great-grandchild Aubree. Also surviving are aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, all of whom adored her. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, George and Olive A. (Wagner) Henry, sisters Rose (Robert) Eaton, Kathryn (Robert) Merta, and Margie Henry. Also, preceding her in death were her first husband, Kenneth L. Thompson and beloved son, Kenneth D. Thompson. Norma was the most loving, spirited, gentle soul, who loved music, concerts, dancing, family gatherings, going to the casino, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. As a child, she worked on the farm, rode horses and could milk two cows at once. She also had a passion for animals and counted her dogs, Sasha Lou, Lucy and Buddy as family. Norma's home was always the gathering place for family and friends, with many parties of singing and music. Norma also was an avid bowler and pool player, and with her custom pool cue, beat most of the men in the Fraternal Order of Eagles where she played. Norma was the glue holding the family together and had a strong belief in God. She always put everyone ahead of herself and was the most giving, selfless, child of God. There are no words to describe her grace and loveliness. She spread joy everywhere she went in life's journey, and will be greatly missed by those of us blessed to know her. She and her beloved husband Dave, retired and traveled between their homes in Arizona and Iowa. Dave will bring the ashes of his cherished Normy home to Iowa this summer for a celebration of life service. This summer, Norma's ashes will be interred in Cedar Memorial Cemetery, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ceremony date and details will be sent once the arrangements have been made. The family wishes to thank Dr. Gary Rada, Saguaro Family Practice and Hospice of the Valley for their care and compassion. "Though she be but little, she is fierce." -- Shakespeare