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Norma Kirkness Cox 1931-2008
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| Remembrances
Connie, RD and famalies, My prayers and thoughts are with you now and always. I so remeber going to Aunt Norma's house with the little creek behind it-to us California kids that was so cool. I always rember how happy she was to see me. I love my Aunt Norma and will miss her. You have great memories of a great mom and grandma. Cherish them and know with all your hearts that you do have a very special angel in heaven smiling down and always loving you!! All my love Kathy Beckman
Sincerest condolences to Connie and family on Norma’s passing! In some respects, it seems like just yesterday we (Ricky, Connie and me) were growing up on Terry Avenue in the mid to late 50’. The city’s boundaries stopped just west of there at the big ditch at the time, but it always seemed so far away. We’d hang out with Ostby’s, and other kids around the neighborhood, the Brents, Claytons, Prunengers, Rowes, the McRaes next door, and of course, Allen and Cynthia Stump (the ‘theater’ folks!... I always wondered what ever became….?). Anyway, it’s funny the ‘little’ things that stick with you. Seemed like we spent the summer roller skating. Norma would run us kids to school over at Burlington when the weather was nasty in that black & white 54 Chev Belair. A great car. Neal drove a green Willys that he used to take us to a Mustang game occasionally. All good times! Take care, everyone, and God Bless! Ron Pearson
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The twinkle in her eye and infectious smile may have diminished but her beautiful life will live in our hearts forever. We say good bye with tears in our eyes but with no regrets because we were with her every step of her journey. Our Mother, Norma Kirkness Cox, 76 of Billings, passed away at her home after a long but well fought illness with her loving family at her side. Mom was born in Greeley, Colorado on December 19th, 1931, the first daughter of Lawrence and Zella Bowles. Being born during the depression she was delivered at home and brought into this world by a horse doctor. Her sister and best friend, Vonnie, joined the family in 1935. Then in 1943 the family moved to Billings and Mom graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1949. She married her high school sweetheart Neal Kirkness following graduation. Mom worked for Midland Bank, Humble Oil and Mutual of Omaha but then started her best career as a stay at home mom for her 3 Children Connie, Ricky and RD. In the 1960's Mom and Dad went into business for themselves owning the Rathskeller, Hofbrau and eventually purchasing the Lions Den which is still in the family and managed by her granddaughter Terra Pierce. During this time Mom did all of the book keeping, banking and ran errands for the business and still maintained a beautiful and loving home for her family. She and Dad later divorced and she married Larry Cox who has preceded her in death. Mom loved to travel and with Larry went to Greece, road camels in Egypt and climbed a pyramid. They also went England which was one her favorite trips. There were also several trips to Hawaii where her sister owned a Condo on Maui. Mom loved to read, do crafts, play cards and work in her flower gardens but most of all She enjoyed her family and we have a family tradition that says "we are proud to be a member of the FUN FAMILY". She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with her whole being. Some of her best times were spent attending sporting events of the grandchildren. Another really fun event we did as a family was sell Christmas Trees for 18 years and Mom always said " oh, they will be back next year to buy a tree just to see me". Her smile and twinkle in her eye were remarkable. When she was younger, people thought she looked like Elizabeth Taylor and she loved to hear that. Mom was preceded in death by her parents and her only sister Vonnie Anderson. Then in 2005 her beloved son "Ricky" from which she never recovered. She is survived by her daughter Connie Saunders (Lane) of Billings; grandchildren Terra Pierce of Billings, grandson Tony Pierce(Lisa) of Lewistown (great grandchildren Truman and Morgan Pierce), and granddaughter Trena Boehnke (Joel) of Bozeman (great grandchildren Tessa and Tiffany Boehnke). Rick's children Richard Kirkness of Bend, Oregon and Cari An Kirkness(Travis Spadt) of Billings (great grandchildren Alex, Carissa and Tristian); also Rick's partner in life Joni Duke who was so dear to Mom and such a great help all of the time but especially throughout her illness; her son, RD of Red lodge and his children Brandelyn of Red Lodge, Britney of Bozeman, Breanna of Billings and Jayde of Red Lodge. As well as her step childrens (Larry's children), Mike, Linda, Heath and Danny; several nieces and nephews of which 3 were her sisters children whom she is extremely close to, Greg Anderson (Patsy) of Wisconson, Mary Paulson of Fargo and Terry Rausch of Michigan. She is also survived by her Aunt Evelyn Watson of Denver, CO and Dean Addington of Washington; as well as many cousins and friends. Mom always did things her way and wanted to make sure she knew what was going on, so on June 16, 2007, exactly one year prior to the date of her death, she and Connie sat down and wrote this life story “HER WAY”. The family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice for the special care they gave to Mom as well as us. Rhonda, Erica and Paula are true angels. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, June 23, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Following a balloon release outside the Mortuary, we will go in procession to Sunset Memorial Gardens for inurnment. At Noon, a reception will be held at The Den in West Park Plaza. Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave, Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102.
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