Norma Jean Olberding

Norma Jean Olberding of Seneca, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, with family at her side. 

Norma Jean was born February 25, 1931, to Lawrence and Martha (Claeys) Olberding in Baileyville, Kansas. Norma Jean lived in the same home on Edward Street in Seneca for most of her life. She attended elementary and high school at Saints Peter & Paul Schools, graduating in 1949. Norma Jean had various jobs, but running the Olberding Liquor Store on Fourth Street by the railroad tracks with her dad was her favorite.

Norma Jean will be remembered as a sweet, kind, and thoughtful woman. Her Catholic faith was very important to her. Norma Jean loved to tell stories about her family. She especially loved to tell the story about when she learned to drive, and Eldon thought she was driving too slowly. So, he jumped out of the car and ran beside the car all the way home. And we all know that her sister, Eileen, was her best friend. 

Norma Jean loved Halloween. As a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, she helped organize and participated in the Halloween parade in downtown Seneca. One of her favorite costumes was an “outhouse” which was closely followed by a Carol Burnett “mop woman” costume. Norma Jean loved to travel, and many trips involved cross-country travel with friends. She took trips to California, Florida, and Cuba.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, John Kokenge; her niece, Judy Huska; her great-niece, Stacy Griffith; her great-nephew, Tyson Langdon; and great-great-nephew, Drew Bradbury. 

Norma Jean is survived by her sister, Eileen Kokenge; her brother, Eldon (Joyce) Olberding; her nieces, Janice (Ted) Langdon, Cindy Kokenge, Jane (Steve) Taylor, Jim (Tammy) Kokenge, and Christina (Mike) Lierz; and her many great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Norma Jean will lie in state for public viewing on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Prior to the Mass, a rosary will be prayed starting at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be made in the Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Seneca. Memorial contributions are suggested to a fund yet to be designated by the family sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle, Seneca, Kansas 66538. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com and as Norma Jean would say, “Bless your heart.”