Norma Stangle Obituary

Norma Jean (Wagner) Stangle

Norma Stangle, 87, died March 1, 2015 at home in Brandon Woods, in Lawrence, KS.

Norma was united in marriage with Cecil L. Stangle on June 11, 1951 in Ellsworth, KS. This union was blessed with two children: Garrick and Allyn. Cecil preceded her in death on January 3, 2000.

She was born August 14, 1927 in Eureka, KS, the first of 6 children of E.M. "Bake" and Hulda (Dauber) Wagner. E.M. Wagner came to Kansas from Kutter (Volga German region of Russia) when he was about 7 years old. Hulda's mother, from Switzerland, and father, from Germany, met in Kansas after immigrating to the US. Norma cherished her family heritage, passing along family lore and stories, including discoveries made during travels in Europe. She was a life member of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia.

She grew up in Ellsworth, KS, graduating in 1945 from Ellsworth High School as Salutatorian of her class. Norma earned a 3 year nursing degree in 1948 from Susan B. Allen School of Nursing in El Dorado, KS. She then began her life's work as a Registered Nurse, including working at Russell Regional Hospital. She went back to college while raising a family, and completed her BSN in 1971. She earned affiliation with the Nursing Honorary, Phi Kappa Phi.

Norma was a devoted wife and mother, Girl Scout leader, member/officer in many groups such as RN Club & BPW (Business/Professional Women), appreciated for her skills in organizing events & activities and always seeing to the needs of others. Norma was a positive influence for countless girls and young women in the Russell area, through her many years as a Girl Scout leader.

She was also known for her outstanding cooking skills, including her exquisite homemade jelly and an array of Christmas candies, as well as delicious family meals and camping cuisine.

She is survived by two children: a son, Garrick (Louellyn) Stangle, Olathe; and a daughter, Allyn (Bruce) Elliott (née: Margaret Allyn Stangle), Lawrence; a grandson, Andrei Elliott, Lawrence; one sister, Mary Specht, Ft. Collins, CO; two brothers, Ron Wagner, Independence, KS; and Ed (Joyce) Wagner, Ft. Collins. Also surviving is a brother-in-law, Everett (Gloria) Stangle, St. George, UT; sisters-in-law, Luella Bales, Snyder, TX; and Joanne Stangle, Newton, KS; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her loving husband, are her parents, two brothers: Jerry and Melvin Wagner, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A celebration of Norma's life will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, March 16, 2015 at Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 610 N. Maple, Russell, KS 67665, is in charge of the arrangements. Burial of ashes at a future date will be at the Ebenezer Cemetery, Burns, KS. Memorials are suggested to Girl Scouts or the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Burns, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

A Memorial Service will also be held in Lawrence at a later date, and will be announce by the family.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.