NORMA STOKES

A daughter of World War I veteran John Leo ‘Buck’ Kraus and Jennie Judge Carr Kraus, Norma was born in the family home at 126 North First Avenue on August 30, 1936. She is part of a vast family tree.

Outliving nearly everyone she knew, Norma was preceded by husband Donald, son Jim, daughter- in-law Barbara, brother Eugene Carr, sisters Rose Carr Bailey, Irene Carr Bailey, Dorothy Kraus Lowman and a lengthy list of other relatives. She is survived by sister Charlotte Kraus Maxwell, sons Donald Britt, Michael (Penny), Tom (Teresa), daughter-in-law Jennifer, grandsons Jason (Debbie), Zachary (Katelyn) and Sean ( Cristina), a cast of great grandchildren including one on the way and an immense web of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends she treated like family.

Norma was a homemaker first, relishing her role as wife and mother. She would ‘Mom’ anyone who came through the door, would have fed you and tried to give you something. A 1955 Paden City High School graduate, Norma lived in various homes in town after marriage, spending the last 54 years on South Fourth Avenue. She enjoyed company, especially family, and loved reunions. For many years she enjoyed sewing, and dabbled occasionally in calligraphy and ceramics. There were a few years spent in retail and even a short stint as an EMT in Paden City. What pleased Norma most in later years was founding Paden City T.O.P.S. #0542. Anyone that knew Norma knows her accomplishments. She spoke often of, and loved her T.O.P.S. gals like sisters. Norma would tell you to go walk a mile and eat right.

Norma’s sons give a tip of the cap to everyone who helped Mom in her final weeks, especially the entire fifth floor crew at WVU Medicine Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital’s North Tower and the Amedisys Hospice ladies. Words cannot express our gratitude. Mid-Ohio Valley Cremation Society is helping fulfill Mom’s last wish, and a brief memorial ceremony will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Norma would appreciate a donation to the American Heart Association.