Norma Jean (Riley) Mercer
November 3, 1935 ~ December 7, 2020
Norma Jean (Riley) Mercer was born at home in a snowstorm on November 3, 1935 in Norwich, KS. She passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 in Wichita, KS. She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Pearl Riley of Norwich, KS, and her husband of 46 years, Robert “Bob” Mercer of Wichita. While Norma and Bob had no children of their own, she called her “Titus” daughter, Kim (Dan) Sullivan of Bel Aire, KS and her “son” Scott (Donna) Davis of Andover, KS her kids. Norma loved spending time with her adopted families and all their children and grandchildren.
Norma was a member of Central Christian Church for over 50 years, and loved inviting everyone, even strangers, to “her” church. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ and regularly talked about her blessed hope of spending Eternity in Heaven with Jesus and her beloved Bob. She lived her life with joy and those who knew her regularly heard her famous laugh.
Norma worked many years for GMAC in the business office. Her attention to detail and numbers made her a valuable employee as well as volunteering at counting the weekly offering at Central Christian Church. Norma was an active member of The Encouragers Sunday School Class and served many years as class historian.
Viewing will be from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, Friday, December 11, 2020, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. A graveside service will take place Saturday, December 12, at 1:00 pm, at Resthaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are with The Encouragers Class and His Helping Hands both c/o Central Christian Church, 2900 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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When Norma‘s husband Bob died, his survivors included some of the same people that were included here in Norma’s obituary, but his also mentioned numerous cousins. Those cousins remember when Bob and Norma were first dating. They recall how much in love they were and continued to be. They recall what a close and loving relationship she had with Bob’s parents, Bob and Maxine, who also preceded her in death. They celebrated holidays, cross country travel, weddings, elections, and other special events with them throughout their marriage and continued to spend time with Norma after Bob’s death. They recall how much she enjoyed being a PUFF Girl and how that group was family to her. The cousins admired Norma for her style, her faith, her good humor and her ability to make a chocolate cake and a strawberry pretzel dessert like nobody else could make. She will be missed by all, especially those cousins by heart.
I worked with Norma and Bob at GMAC in the 60’s. We became friends. We continued to stay in touch throughout the years exchanging Christmas cards with brief updates on our lives. I last talked to her last spring during the COVID lockdown and we planned on going out for lunch when it was over. I was saddened to see her obituary. She was always upbeat and a joy to be around. May she rest in peace.
We were fortunate to be dual related to her, first as a 2nd cousin and most importantly as her son for the past 30 plus years. She and Bob took such great care of our entire family for many years and we have allot of fond memories with trips and family gatherings. I also really enjoyed being her parent’s chauffeur when there was dinner at their home. Our entire family so miss them both but even though we mourn, we know they are both at peace with the Lord and that helps in our grieving. Rest in Peace, Love You, Mom and Dad 💘
Norma was a true Christian. A blessing to many!