Obituary of Norma Jean Brooks

Norma's celebration of life will be livestreamed via the First Church United Zoom. The live feed will begin approximately 10 minutes before the start time at 10:30 A.M.

You can begin the event by clicking the following link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83214414046?pwd=pk1Yi8jHxfFYuK1nNpWlMcDCJr1X6Q.1

West Liberty, Iowa

Norma Jean Brooks, Grandma Norma, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Simpson Memorial Home, West Liberty, Iowa.

Norma was born February 25, 1931, in Troy, Iowa. Her parents Clyde and Henrietta Ensminger welcomed her as their first born.  She soon became the apple of her father’s eye. 

On June 12, 1950, Norma married the boy across the street who was the love of her life, Harold Brooks. They moved to West Liberty in 1950 as they awaited the birth of their first born.  Harold and Norma made West Liberty their home for the remainder of their lives.  Harold preceded Norma in death on December 14, 1996. 

During their life together they enjoyed many special activities with family and friends.  Most important to them were Iowa Hawkeye games, watching their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in school and church activities, traveling to Florida, and, of course, the annual family vacation at the  Lake of the Ozarks. Norma met many special friends when she served as a travel guide for Hawkeye game bus trips. She loved being with people and visiting on the phone with them. One of Norma’s favorite activities was shopping.  She would often retell her story about purchasing Cabbage Patch dolls for her grandchildren. 

Norma worked as office manager at the University of Iowa recreation department for 31 years.  A lady ahead of her time, she started working outside the home when Missy was in kindergarten.  The people she worked with were her second family. After her retirement from her primary job, she took on the job of activities director at Heath Manor, a part of Simpson Memorial Home.  When she transitioned to living on the Simpson Home campus she felt at home because she knew and loved all the residents and staff.

Norma was honored as the Hawkeye Fan of the Year in 1990. She was active in the First Church United where she served in a variety of roles.  Her favorite role was serving as the church grandma.  Norma and Harold were supporters of the Muscatine County Fair where they served many weekends making popcorn during the stock car races.  They played in several card clubs where they developed close friendships.  Anyone that knew Norma knew that she was always ready to help.  Her motto was, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

Norma’s love of flowers and her love of gardening has been passed down to many.  She was in the height of her glory planting flowers, watering and pulling weeds in her garden.  

After Harold passed away, Norma met George “Bud” Barber.  He was better know as Papa Bud to the great grandchildren. Bud and Norma enjoyed traveling and spending time with their families.  Bud served as the driver for many a trip to Iowa City for shopping purposes.

After Bud passed away Norma and her friend Pat could be seen driving to town on a regular basis.  They were often referred to as Thelma and Louise.  They enjoyed a few trips to the Lake of the Ozarks and have tall tales about their experiences.

Norma is survived by her three daughters, Melody (Ron) Raub of New London, IA; Dinette (Joe) Myers and Missy (Mark) Johnson both from West Liberty. She is also survived by six grandchildren-Adam (Amy) Raub, Allison (Travis) Lair, Tiffany (Gregg) Schieffer, Troy (Lori) Myers, Emily (Jesse) Reed, Jacob (Kathy) Johnson and 13 great-grandchildren Tyler, Courtney, Camryn, Landon, Hannah, Ella, Charlie, Peter, Rayleigh, Brooks, Kaylor, Khloe, and Klaire.  They will all miss her great hugs and kisses and her macaroni and cheese casseroles at holiday gatherings. 

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Harold, grandchild Avery Reed, her parents Clyde and Henrietta Ensminger, her brother James Ensminger and her longtime companion, George Barber. 

The family would like to express their thanks to Iowa City Hospice for their care of Norma the last two months.  Also, a big thank you to the staff at Simpson Memorial Home for their tender care of Norma in her final years.  

Memorials may be made in Norma’s honor to First Church United Canopy Fund, or Simpson Memorial Home: Activities.

Visitation will be held 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. Friday, March 7, 2025 at the First Church United in West Liberty with a celebration of life to be held immediately following at 10:30 A.M. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is caring for Norma and her family.