Norma Jean Stapleton

Norma Jean Stapleton passed away at the age of 93 after living a long and happy life. She was born 11/27/1931 in Des Moines, IA. Norma graduated from North High School in January 1950. Prior to graduation, she married Franklin Delano Stapleton. Frank was 16 years old and Norma was 17 years old.

Besides being a wife and mother, Norma was a career woman, which was rather unusual in the 1950’s. She always had a job, including one at Hyland Park State Bank as the first female head bookkeeper. Later, she managed an Insurance Agency advancing to Agent and Manager of the National Insurance Assoc. Company, where she stayed until she retired. After retirement she worked for the Foster Group until she was well into her 80’s, when she retired again.

Norma was a woman with strong convictions, and she lived by them. She believed the most important things in life were family, church, community, and country. She taught Sunday school and was active in the church all her life. She was active in organizations that supported her convictions. Norma respected all people and supported equality. She was patriotic and respected this country and all it has to offer. She travelled extensively and always expressed that there was no other country in the world better than the USA.

Norma had many special friends through her life. Her first friend was Rose Houston. They grew up together and remained friends their whole life. Among their many adventures, Norma and Rose volunteered at the Sundance Film Festival for about 20 years. They also attended the 2010 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Of all Norma’s experiences in life, the one that meant the most to her was her family. Holidays, birthdays, and other special events were always celebrated with a gathering for dinner and cake.

She will be missed by her children, Mike Stapleton (Betty), Peggy Groves (Rick); her grandchildren, Jessica Verwers (Mike), Jason Groves (Andrea), Jacob Stapleton (Ronda), Miranda Rogers (Bob); her 9 great-grandchildren, and her 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin; her parents, Wilbur and Mettie (Neifert) Amsberry; her sister, Maxine Surber; and her brother, William Amsberry.

Visitation will be Friday from 6 pm – 8 pm at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11 am, followed by burial at Berwick Cemetery. The family invites friends to join them virtually for Norma’s service through the link below her obituary at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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