Norma Jean Huffman, 87, was born Oct. 22, 1938 to Elmer U and Bertha H (Knudson) Pierce in Anoka, Minnesota.  Norma died March 11, 2026 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

After Norma graduated from Anoka High School in 1956 she married Lloyd A Chitwood from Pine River, Minnesota.  They had six girls during their marriage.

Norma was very active in Lloyds General Contracting business.  She could swing a hammer and excelled at finishing sheetrock, painting and trim.  In the early 70’s, they purchased the Backus Lumber Yard, Backus Minnesota which she managed for several years.

Over the years, Normas’ quest for education led her from planting trees for the state nursery to raising chickens and other animals.  She took a variety of business classes including Accounting, and Tax Preparation.  She also pursued more artistic training through Flower arranging, Plastercraft and Ceramics pouring & painting,  Photography, Painting with water colors, oils and acrylics and Spanish language.  

After her divorce from Lloyd, she went back to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Then she met and married Ranald Huffman in 1987.  They began traveling and settled on a winter home in Benson, Arizona.  She continued to paint and also used her quilting and sewing skills to donate to women shelters in the southwest.

Norma is predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Bertha Pierce; her sister Wanda Pierce; her brothers, Raymond Pierce and Robert Pierce; her ex-husband Lloyd Chitwood; her husband Randal Huffman; her daughter Marsha Skoog and two grandsons - Benjamin Wilber and Nathan Bowen.

Norma is survived by her daughters, Robin (Jay) Burns, Kathy (Chuck Olund) Taray, Toni (Ivan) Bowen, Lori (Ed Jr.) Wilber, Renee (Scott Trautsch) Chitwood and her Son-In-Law, Kent Skoog.  She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.

Services will be scheduled at a future date.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please make a donation in Norma Huffman’s name to your local food shelter or a local Pet rescue shelter.