Norma Halterman

Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, Oklahoma 918-786-2261~ Norma Ray Halterman died peacefully at home after a lengthy illness on March 26, 2016, surrounded by her children. The only child of Herbert and Ruby Ray, she was born March 19, 1928, in Ketchum, Okla., when rural northeastern Oklahoma was often prey to bank robbers. The family moved to the nearby community of Grove in 1933, following a series of bank robberies in which Mr. Ray was nearly killed while working the teller window. Gregarious from an early age and perhaps inspired by the bank robberies, Norma's penchant for fundraising was honed at Grove High School where she was named Homecoming Queen after selling the most tickets to the homecoming football game. She graduated in 1946. During the Depression and subsequent war when resources were scarce, Mr. Ray worked diligently to build his insurance agency and Norma and her mother ironed clothing to help the family make ends meet. Her parents scraped together the resources to send Norma to Stephens College in 1946, followed by the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated in 1950 with a major in vocal music. After graduation from OU, Norma worked for Standard Oil of Indiana (now British Petroleum) in Oklahoma City. She married local dentist Harry Wells Halterman in 1954, and they were married for nearly 55 years until Dr. Halterman's death in 2009. Norma is survived by their three children, Kay Mortimer (Charles) of Jackson, Miss.; Dr. Mark Halterman (Dr. Clory Robles) of Tulsa, Okla.; Lynne Duffield of Joplin, Mo.; and grandchildren Laura Mortimer (Michael Foss-Feig); Wells Mortimer; Alex and Gabby Halterman-Robles; and Cole and Andrew Duffield. Norma threw herself unselfishly into raising her children and serving her community. She was always busy, either as homeroom mother, scout leader or PTA president. Passionate about education, Norma was the first woman elected to the Grove School Board. She was an active member P.E.O. Chapter GG and Epsilon Sigma Alpha philanthropic sorority and served as president of both organizations. A woman of deep faith, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Grove for almost 80 years. She directed the choir, served in numerous leadership positions and helped build the new church in its current location. A deep interest in leadership and civic responsibility led Norma to become involved in politics. She was a Republican in Delaware County when there were but a handful, and her tireless efforts had a formative influence on the growth of the party. She helped build the Delaware County Republican Women's Club from the ground up and attended two Republican national conventions as part of the Oklahoma delegation. She was named by former Governor Henry Bellmon to the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission and did not hesitate to share her strong opinions about issues with Oklahoma's governors, state and national leadership, many of whom she had on speed dial. Norma and Harry believed quality medical care was critical to the growth of Grove. Norma served on the Integris Grove Hospital Foundation Board, helping to raise the funds for the current state of the art medical center. Norma believed her greatest legacy was her three children. She imparted to them her love of music and travel and was their greatest advocate and fiercest defender. She was an avid bridge player, playing weekly with her closest friends until recently. Celebration of Norma's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2 at First United Methodist Church in Grove. Viewing and visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove and the family will receive visitors from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Grove First United Methodist Church music department or the charity of your choice.

Visitation Details

Friday, April 1st, 2016 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Grove

Service Details

Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 11:00am, First United Methodist Church - Grove

Interment Details

Olympus Cemetery