Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th

Lawrence, Kansas

Norma Caldwell Obituary

Norma Lee Caldwell was born on February 1, 1925, to Gail Rice and Louise Burkhart Rice in Erie, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 20, 2018 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 519 N. Main Street, Erie, KS 66733. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery in Erie, KS.

As a young girl, Norma enjoyed dance, tennis, and music. Her violin was passed down, and two more generations developed the love of music. In high school, she lettered in theatre. She graduated from Erie High School in 1942, and attended Chanute Junior College, studying Home Economics.

She worked in the California Ship Yard in Long Beach, CA, in 1943 and 1944, as an administrator for building the troop carrier which her brother, L.G. Rice, was training for as a seaman.

Norma married Robert D. Caldwell, also of Erie, on January 28, 1945, in Erie, KS, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. The two of them lived in Hobbs, NM, while Robert was in bomber pilot training.

They lived in Auburn, AL, Bartlesville, OK, Coffeyville, KS, and 35 years in Pittsburg, KS. They moved to Lawrence in 1995, and lived at Brandon Woods retirement village, where she was a member of Corpus Christie Catholic Church, and lived her faith her entire life. In 2017, she moved to The Piper Assisted Living, in Kansas City, KS.

Norma had a great passion for gardening and growing flowers. Big bouquets of cut flowers and green potted plants brought her great joy.

All three of her children, and two of their spouses, graduated from Kansas State University, and she became a KSU sports fanatic. Norma watched every KSU football and basketball game available on television, cheering them on and sometimes giving her opinion on the opposing coaches.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Robert, her brother, L.G., and her parents.

Survivors include two daughters, Carol (Harold) Vandeventer, Manhattan, KS; Leah (Bill) Brown, Basehor, KS; and son Lorey (Paula Fleming) Caldwell, Youngstown, OH; four grandchildren, Daniel (Nicole) Caldwell, Mathew (Alison) Caldwell, Chase and Spencer Brown, and four great-grandchildren from Youngstown OH, Zachary, Alexander, Madison Mae, and Siena.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Nov. 25, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Norma Caldwell

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you the strength to endure. During this sad time in your life. BH

November 29, 2018

So sorry for your loss. May your hearts find comfort in the words found at
1 Thessalonians 4:14. A wonderful hope of seeing your loved ones again.

Goss

November 28, 2018

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

November 26, 2018

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Norma Caldwell's name

Memorial Events
for Norma Caldwell

Dec

20

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

519 N. Main Street, Erie, KS

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

How to support Norma's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Norma Caldwell's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more