Norma L. Simpson

Norma L. Simpson, 79, passed away on January 3, 2015 in Ontario, Oregon. She was born on November 2, 1935 in Idaho Falls, ID, the fourth daughter of Chancy Weston Simpson and Gladys Marion Later Simpson. She lived there until she was seven years old. After moving to Pocatello in 1943, she attended several schools, graduating from Pocatello High School in 1953 and Idaho State University in 1957, majoring in Home Economics. Her first job was with Idaho Power in Driggs, ID, where she worked until she was selected as the Idaho delegate to Peru for the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE). This began her lifelong passion for travel which carried her all over the world. After her return from South America, she continued her educational studies, earning a Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin, and her Doctorate PhD in Communications from Oklahoma State University. Norma traveled extensively, visiting many countries and using her home economics training and love for adventure, accepting major work assignments in Nigeria, Paraguay and Papua New Guinea. She returned home to Idaho in the early 1990s and then she accepted her final position as a federal home extension agent with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon. When she retired, she moved to Ontario to be near her sisters and spent her winters in Quartzsite, AZ. Norma had a beautiful alto voice and loved to sing. She was involved with many choral groups and theater productions over the years, including the Onion Skin Players in Weiser. She was a volunteer at Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario, and also presented several international programs, native costumes and cultural displays from her travels. Books, sports and politics were also her passion. She was preceded in death by her parents, Weston and Gladys Simpson; one sister, Marcia Lieurance; and one nephew, Mike Radford. Her survivors include two sisters, Helen Radford of Emmett, ID, and Melba McCurdy of Pocatello, ID. Norma had a very special place in her heart for all of her nieces and nephews and followed their families closely. They include: Linda Simmons of Ontario, OR, Chris Lieurance of Henderson, NV, Jeff Lieurance of Puyallup, WA, Scott Lieurance of North Bend and Sunriver, OR, Ann McMenamin of Pottstown, PA, Karen Heninger of Cardston, Alberta Canada, Bill McCurdy, Jack McCurdy and Kevin McCurdy all of Pocatello, ID, Maria Elena Dahlquist of Payson, UT, Rosalie Kirk of West Valley City, UT, and Steven McCurdy of South Jordan, UT. Due to failing health, the last few years of her life were spent as a resident of Dorian Place Assisted Living in Ontario. Canada arrangements were handled by Lienkaemper Chapel in Ontario. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Colonial Funeral Home 2005 S. 4 th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83201 (208)233-1500. Urn Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5 th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83204. Section 24 East. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com