Norma Jean (Nelson) Oviatt, affectionately known to many as “Grandma Norm”, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2018, at Westmont Care Center in Logan, Iowa. Although suffering from dementia, she never lost her sassy attitude or her love of babies. She was the youngest of seven children born to Nels G. and Cora Anna (Brown) Nelson on September 7, 1936, outside of Missouri Valley, Iowa. Later, her family moved to farm near Graettinger, Iowa, before returning to a small farm outside of Logan. It was here that she met her future husband, Courtlyn L. Oviatt. She loved to tell the story that she only agreed to go out with him because she “felt sorry for him”. But, in spite of that tale, they raised 6 children, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Beginning their marriage as a stay-at-home mother, Norma later worked at Perfection Learning for many years. She was an amazing cook, an avid sports fan and for years was a fixture at Lo-Ma Panther football, baseball, softball, basketball, and wrestling meets as she enthusiastically followed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved “her” Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, Tom Osborne and Nebraska football (although she was known to yell at the TV or radio if Brent Musburger was the announcer). Family will tell you that she was NOT a “good loser” and never forgot a “bad” call in any sport – ever.
She dearly loved the Lord, a good hymn (preferably “Old Rugged Cross”), and her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nels G. and Cora (Brown) Nelson; her loving in-laws (she considered to be her parents), Amon and Gwendolyn (Watkins) Oviatt; brothers, Carl C. Nelson and Harry H. Nelson; sisters, Mrs. Pauline (Gerald) Stueve, Mrs. Anna (Carnell “Kirk”) Wilson; Mrs. Mary (Clifford) Knutson, Mrs. Gladys (Ned) Larson; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Oviatt) Muxfeldt and Joan Oviatt; brother-in-law, Larry Maguire; niece Diana Maguire; and her beloved son, Courtlyn A. Oviatt.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Courtlyn; children: Richard (Rick), and wife Pamela (Ervin) Oviatt, Ronald, and wife Kay (Sparks) Oviatt; Renee, and husband Trent Kuhl; Rodney and wife Denise (Hansen) Oviatt; Annette and husband Terry Wilson; sixteen grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; her beloved cat, Cubbie; and numerous semi-feral cats she never forgot to feed.
A Prayer Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday with visitation to follow until 5:00 p.m. at Logan Memorial Chapel in Logan, Iowa.
Pastor Rusty Hedger will officiate the Prayer Service and Rick Powell with provide a vocal selection “In The Garden”
The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church following the committal service.
In Loving Memory Of
Norma Jean (Nelson) Oviatt
Born
September 7, 1936 Missouri Valley, Iowa
Entered Into Rest
March 21, 2018 Logan, Iowa
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2018
Christian Church
Logan, Iowa
Officiating Pastor Rusty Hedger
Organist Vicki Koenig
Vocalist Molly Green
Vocal Selection
“It Is Well With My Soul”
Music Selections
“Precious Lord Take My Hand” “Go Rest High”
“I Can Only Imagine” “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Casket Bearers
Matt Oviatt Brady Wilson
Tom Oviatt Nolan Oviatt
Will Oviatt Wyatt Oviatt
Jeff Kuhl Dylan Oviatt
Final Resting Place
Bethel Cemetery – Logan, Iowa
3 Comments
She was admired by my mother, Marian Sexton, as a friend at church and co-worker at Perfection. She’s gone to the presence of the Lord . Take comfort from that knowledge.
So sorry for your loss. We know that she is in a better place now.
Blessings to all. . Norma was the light of your family. May she be at peace now.
John and Leia Johnsen
Sign Guestbook