Norma Ruth (Nibbelin) Irvin

Norma Ruth Irvin (Nibbelin), aged 83, of Grain Valley, MO entered heavens gates on January 5^th, 2016. Norma was born September 21^st, 1932 in Peoria Illinois, the daughter of the late Clarence J Nibbelin and Muriel K Johnson.

Norma had a lifelong love of horses and art and she pursued both her whole life. As a teenager and young adult she participated in many 100 mile trail rides and competed in horse shows and rodeos. She worked for 10 years in the banking industry before marrying Ronald W Irvin in 1960 and although eventually divorced, they remained close friends forever. She had 2 children, Linda Sue Eli of Grain Valley, MO and Brian Lee Irvin of Lebanon MO who will forever miss her and her wonderful cooking! Her first love and priority was her family and because of that she left them with a lifetime of wonderful memories of being cherished above all else except Jesus. She pursued art her entire life but for the past 25 years she made a nice living doing commissioned art work and participating in many shows at craft and consignment venues. Drawing horses was always most definitely her favorite subject. In her younger days she raised large, magnificent vegetable gardens every year and sewed everything from clothing to quilts and even Barbie doll clothes. She was never not busy. She took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and tried to pass along her love of Jesus, drawing, sewing, cooking, gardening and yard sales. She was a member of Grain Valley 1^st Baptist Church and was blessed with a wonderful “church family” there. She loved participating in anything church related and could always be counted on when a helping hand was needed. Through the years she was a member of several church choirs and was often a featured soloist during services. God blessed her with many talents.

Norma is survived by her 2 children, Son-in-law Aaron Eli , 5 granddaughters – Brandy Lawler, Shaila Johnson (both of Springfield) and Casey Caswell, Tory French & Carly French (of Grain Valley), 5 Great-Grandchildren –Reese & Ava Lawler, Cameron Johnson, Adelyn & Emma Caswell, her cherished baby brother COL. Denis R. Nibbelin, USAF retired, her equally cherished Sister-in-law Carol Nibbelin, her beloved Niece & nephews – Lynne Roderick , Michael Nibbelin, all of Virginia and Stuart and Russell Nibbelin of Texas. She loved all of them dearly and she had many more relatives and friends that were beloved, too many to list. She is preceded in death by her very much missed Brother David Nibbelin, his daughter Gina Nibbelin and her parents “Cotton” & Muriel Nibbelin.

A public Memorial service will be held at Grain Valley First Baptist Church on Saturday January 16^th at 11 AM. All who knew her are welcome. Donations in her memory can be made to the 1^st Baptist Church of Grain Valley at 207 W Walnut Street, Grain Valley Mo 64029.