Norma Betteridge Draper, 89, passed away on April 15, 2008 of causes incident to age. She was born November 23, 1918 to James W. and Emily Ness Betteridge in Orem, Utah, and was the seventh of nine children. Her family moved to the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City in 1929. Norma graduated from Granite High School in 1937. After graduation, she worked at Kress Company's five and dime store. While employed there, some friends set her up on a blind date with Emerson O. Draper. They were married on June 4, 1940 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. While Emerson served overseas in WW II, Norma moved home with her family and worked for Dr. Fairbanks; an eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist.
After their marriage, Norma and Emerson lived in Salt Lake City, Utah; Sunbeam, Idaho; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Seattle, Washington; Boise, Idaho; and Reno, Nevada. They moved to Murray, Utah in 1959.
Emerson preceded her in death in February 2002. Norma served in many capacities in the LDS church, including ward and stake Primary President, Relief Society President, and was a member of several stake boards. She sang alto in the ward choir for many years.
Norma's home was always pleasant, and her cooking delicious. She crocheted lovely edgings on baby blankets for each grandchild, and even left some behind for great-grandchildren yet to come. She was always a willing babysitter for her grandchildren; and was patient, kind, loving, supportive, gracious, and was continually interest in the activities of her daughters and their families. She also enjoyed spending time with her sisters. She was very appreciative of the assistance given to her, especially as her health declined.
Norma had been a resident of the Wentworth at Cottonwood Heights for the past 11 months.
Norma is survived by her two daughters: Karen (Craig) Gladwell and Sheila (Mark) Johnson; nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is survived by a sister, June Perry; sister and brother-in-law, Muriel and Webb Snarr; sister-in-law, Leona Betteridge; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, five sisters; Alpha Betteridge, Olive Smart, Eileen Betteridge, Verna Belcher, Jessie Harbrecht; one brother: Bryce Betteridge; and several brothers-in-law and a sister-in law.
Funeral services Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Little Cottonwood 6th Ward Brownstone Chapel, 6410 S. 725 E., Murray, Utah. Interment, Murray City Cemetery.