Norma Jean Karlson was born on 7/10/1931 and passed away peacefully 03/15/2021 in her home with her daughter and faithful companion Edie at her side. She was born at her grandpa’s home in Bath, South Dakota by a midwife. She lived around South Dakota in her early years, graduated the 8th grade at a country school in Groton, D.S. and received her GED at Irving College in California at the age of 40. She was married to Aubrey Wolff at age 17 and had two sons Gary and Dennis. She then married Jack Taylor and had a son Mike and daughter Jaci. She later married her true love and soul mate, Orliss Karlson in Sundance, Wyoming on September 15, 1971. They shared many wonderful years together until his passing in 2003. Norma was a very loving person. She had a special place in her heart for the elderly, children and animals. She had always been a caregiver and worked at Holy Rosary in the late 60’s and early 70’s in the nursery and then retired after many years of service from the VA hospital as a CNA. She made many lifelong friends at the VA and enjoyed getting together for coffees. Her children, Grandchildren and great grandchildren have always been the loves of her life. They have many fond memories of trips, family reunions and going to garage sales with her. Her home was always open to family and friends. You never knew what grandchildren’s friends would be sleeping on her floor during Bucking Horse Sale weekend. Her family and her animals were her pride and joy! Norma was a gypsy and loved to travel. Her and Orliss loved their trips in their motorhomes visiting family and also spent many winters in Arizona at their home.
Norma is survived by 3 sons, Gary Wolff of Missoula, Dennis (Sheila) Wolff of Billings, Mike (Gina) Taylor of Miles City and Jaci (Quirt) Phillips of Broadus. Grandchildren: Kim Williams, Jennifer (Brian) Speer, Cory (Nikki) Wolff, Tanner (Alex) Wolff, Sara (Tanner) Rausch, Mikey (Kaitlin) Taylor, Brenner Taylor, Kaycee (Lonnie) Hagemeister, Cedar (Jeremy) Kilen, Krista (Chris) Gnerer, Katie Bayo. Great Grandchildren: Becky Sharbono, Holly (Jeremy) Sharbono/Hunter, Hanna, Abigail, Megan, Amber Speer, Kolton and Kaden Hensleigh, Gage Rausch, Jordan, Grady, Kyler and Gavin Hagemeister, Cordell Kilen, Senra, Evelyn, Brielle and Silas Gnerer, Quincy Bayo. Great Great Grandchildren: Kinsley and Camden Hunter. One Sister Ellie Griffen one Brother Dale Worrell, and two special bonus daughters Karin Wolff & Susan Taylor-Hughes.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband Orliss, 12 siblings (Shirley, Lillian, Don, Beverly, Gail, Evelyn, Duane (Butch), Joan, Mary, Linda, Judy, Dean), one Grandson Jacob Wolff.
No services will be held per Norma’s wishes. A family celebration of life will be held this summer. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Family condolences can be made at www.stevensonandsons.com
Memorials can be sent to the Animal Shelter, Hospice or the Miles City Public Library.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Deb Bartholomew says
TO ALL OF NORMA’S FAMILIES:
I was so very saddened to hear of Norma’s passing. God has gained an Amazing and Beautiful Angel. She always had a smile on her face when she met you and her laugh was contagious. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Not only was Norma a Treasure and Beautiful Lady but the neatest Lady I knew growing up across the street from her and her family. Treasure your memories, as I know you all will, as the memories will help get you all thru difficult days ahead.
My thoughts and prayers all with you all. Love, Hugs and Prayers!!
Jr and Myrna Perkins says
Sincere Sympathy to Norma’s family, may she rest in peace.
Richard and Linda Meidinger says
I know Norma will be missed by her family. She loved them being around her. She treasured every minute that
she got so spend with them. She has been such a tough fighter to stay among us for many years.
Loved working with her for a long time and loved running into her when we both retired and got to visit them In
Arizona. Also have enjoyed being on Facebook together and getting to know what was going on with one another.
May your sweet memories help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all her family. Hugs and love to all.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
Norma was truly an amazing woman who will be missed dearly by many. Thoughts and prayers to all of her family.
Sandra jean Johnson says
Auntie Norma was one amazing Lady
She was full of love for everyone
And was a very happy and careing
She loved her Dog so much and always
Had love to give to all “I loved her so much”
She will be missed so much but one day we will
All get to Meet agian SHE WAS THE ROCK THAT
HELD EVER ONE TOGETHER REST IN PEACE
YOU BEAUTIFUL LADY LOVE HER SOO MUCH
NORMA KARLSON 💗💗💗💗💗
Debra (Johnston) Neils says
Aunt, Wings Earnestly earned. No more suffering and no better place to be than in the arms of Jesus. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary Roig says
So sorry for your loss. Every animal lost, found or came home was lovingly remembered by Norma. God bless the family .💞💞
Penny Fabert (neice) says
Aunt Norma was an amazing lady, So loving and caring and the rock and true leader that held our family together, We love you so much aunt, and miss you dearly❤ We are Sending our love and Hugs to our family and Aunt Norma’s children Jaci, Mike Gary and Dennis, grandchildren and great grandchildren, may God hold you all in his arms during this time 🙏❤
Amber says
I am so sorry for your loss. It was wonderful to help Norma find books at Share the Love Used Bookstore. We will miss seeing her and Edie. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat Herzog says
Jaci and family.. so very sorry for your loss..I loved your mom and I’m so thankful that we were able to have Birthday 🎂cake with her this summer..I really enjoyed getting to know her when we worked together at the VA.. she was so fun to work with.. she made everyone ‘s day.. heaven gained a beautiful Angel 😇and her suffering is now over.. she’s left a beautiful legacy in all her family..may she rest in Peace.. love and prayers to all of you 🙏❤
Joe and Loy Martens says
Jaci and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know you all loved her and will miss her very much.
Joe and Loy
Patty VanAsh says
I had the pleasure of meeting your Mother once and I’ve never forgotten her! She was a wonderful gal. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Mary Ann Stoltz says
Jackie, sorry hear of your mom passing! God bless your family
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
Norma was always a sweet, friendly person who made it so easy to visit with. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Our prayers for healing go out to all of her family.
Janis meidinger says
I so enjoyed Norma’s smile, humor and infectious laugh
Always a pleasure to be around. Will miss her at all the sales. Very open about love for family. She made a great hospice volunteer. May your memories fill the hole she leaves in your heart. Janis Meidinger.
LaRae Tangen says
Norma had the best smile and the kindest heart. Prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.