Rabey, Norma Jean (Mrs. William "Bill") 1944-2024

RABEY, DEVRIES, HEDDEN

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/7/2024 at 13:55:23

Norma Jean Rabey, 79 of Akron, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron, Iowa with Pastor Susan Juilfs officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitation with the family present will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Akron. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Norma Jean De Vries was born on August 10, 1944 in Artesia, California to Lester and Lois (Hedden) De Vries. They moved to Hawarden when Norma was a young child where she attended West Sioux school. They then moved onto a farm near Ireton and Norma continued her schooling at a local country school.

Norma was united in marriage to William ‘Bill’ Rabey on June 7, 1963 in Hawarden, Iowa. They moved to Lawton, OK while Bill was in the military and when he was stationed overseas, she stayed with her parents in Alcester, SD and worked at Coil Craft in Hawarden. When Bill returned from the service, they lived in Fort Hood, TX, Hawarden, IA, and Merrill, IA for a short time before making their home in Akron in 1973.

Norma primarily stayed home with their four children and later provided daycare for over 30 years for other families in Akron. She continued to help watch her grandchildren even after she retired.

Norma was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron where she loved attending and was active in W.E.L.C.A., altar guild, taught Sunday and Bible School. She was also a member of the Eagle’s Club in Hawarden. She loved to read, play cards, Bingo, fishing, and camping. Bill and Norma enjoyed working together for the last 12 years as hosts for the Scenic Park in South Sioux City, NE. Her favorite time was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Norma is survived by her husband of over 60 years, William ‘Bill’ Rabey; four children: Jeffrey (Robin) Rabey of Prior Lake, MN, Brenda (Jason) Combs of Akron, Stacey (Lori) Rabey of Akron, and Melissa Hughes of Akron; 9 grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 4 step great grandchildren; brothers: Johnny (Willy) De Vries and Lannie (Twila) De Vries; sisters: Judy Danielson, Evelyn Schoppman, Madonna (Chris) Grubb, and Susan (George) Taylor; brother in law, Wilbur Gradert; nieces, nephews, other extended relatives; and a special friend, Tammi Vossberg, who helped to take great care of Norma.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren: Lucas Rabey and Kenzie Combs; son in law, Rob Hughes; sister, Sandra Gradert; brother in law, Sharon Danielson; and nieces: Rochelle De Vries and April De Vries.

Source: Rexwinkle Funeral Home online obituary.