Loretta Ann (Farris) Norden was born January 13, 1933 in Freeborn County, Minnesota,
the daughter of Adolphus and Verdella (Meister) Farris. She passed away July 24, 2018 at
Smith Center Health and Rehab, at the age of 85.

As a young girl, she only completed the 10TH grade due to having to go to work as her
father was serving in the military. At the age of 16 she moved to Kansas, as her sister
was already living here, to find more work.

Loretta found work at the Kensington Drug Store and other odd jobs. She also found
herself joining in the Miss US 36 Pageant, in which she came in as runner up. It was also
during this time that she would meet her future husband.

On April 15, 1956, she was united in marriage to Donald L. Norden in Kensington,
Kansas. To this union four daughters were born: Jeri Lee, Susan Ann, Connie Jo, and
Jackie Lynn. The family made their home on the Norden home place southwest of
Kensington.

Loretta was a devoted farm wife and mother. Alongside Don, they worked hard and
enjoyed many things like milking cows, planting potatoes-which they sold to businesses
around the area; raising pigs and stock cows along with many crops. They also got to
travel with Don's side job and see some beautiful scenery. Loretta also had her hobbies-
raising truckloads of bucket calves, sewing, crafting and also enjoyed her flowers. Many
hours were spent taking care of those flower beds.

Anyone who knew Loretta also knew she was a wonderful cook and baker. No one ever
went away from her table hungry and during harvest; she always made sure the men
would need a quick cat nap after eating her big meals. Throughout her life, she mastered
many dishes without a recipe. To this day, family members still can't get her dumpling
soup and spaghetti sauce to turn out like hers.

When her girls got older, Loretta became a CNA and worked at Prairie Haven in
Kensington for many years. She also helped out at the Golden Fountain cafe as a
dishwasher. But as the daughters began families of their own, Loretta and Donald, found
new ways to occupy their time, enjoy life and take a break from work.

Loretta loved to play bingo and traveling with Don down east (casinos). They also
followed their grandchildren as much as possible to all their events. They put many a
mile on until their health became as issue.

Loretta will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew her.

In addition to Donald-her husband of 60 years, she was preceded in death by her parents,
her twin great granddaughters, and her sisters Beverly Brabec and Darlene Lambert, and
brother Robert Farris.

Survivors include her sister Norma Nelson and husband Jim of Albert Lea, MN., brother
Sunny Farris and Jan of Clearlake, Iowa. Daughters, Jeri Hunter and husband Bob of
Kirwin; Sue Roush and husband Kelly of Lebanon; Connie Ortgies and husband Brian of
Kenesaw, NE; and Jackie Swatzell and husband Eric of Phillipsburg. 15 grandchildren,
24 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and host of other relatives and
friends.


Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 28, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, with Pastor Lorna Paulus officiating. A private family inurnment will follow the service.

Friends may sign the book on Friday, July 27, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.

Memorials may be given to the Loretta Ann Norden Memorial Fund.