Norma Jean Phelps, 91, of Salina, Kan., passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023. She was born on the family farm in rural Saline County, Kan., on November 26, 1931, to James and Elizabeth “Alice” (Walle) Phillips.
Norma married John Phelps in Concordia, Kan., and they started life on a farm west of Bavaria, raising laying hens and selling hatching eggs. She worked at the Brookville Hotel in Brookville, Kan., before the family moved to a home west of Hedville – present farm – on Reese Road. She helped feed cattle and many hogs, haul grain during harvest, and always had chickens to raise and sell eggs. Norma was an avid gardener and home canner. She was always cooking for whoever was there - you always got something to eat, and the coffee was always on.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; son, Allen Phelps; daughter, Angela Manningly; and brother Bill Phillips; and infant brother, Harold.
Survivors include her daughter, Linda Ahlquist (Frank) of Tescott, Kan.; brothers, Donald Phillips (Jeanette) and Tom Phillips (Belinda); grandchildren, Jon Ahlquist, Jeanne Ahlquist, Jessica Ebert (Levi), Joel Phelps (Lynette), and Tim Lyon (Agi); great-grandchildren, Ty and Mason Ebert, Garrett Phelps, and Abigail Lyon; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family present from 6-8. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, at Ryan Mortuary. A private family burial will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Culver, Kan.
Memorials may be made to the Walnut Grove Cemetery or the FFA Chapter of Tescott, care of Ryan Mortuary.
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