Norma Jean Hanes

Norma Jean (Wickliff) Hanes, 88, passed away January 6, 2016 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. She was born March 24, 1927 in Des Moines, IA to Glen and Leah (Eklund) Wickliff. She is survived by 2 of her sons, Dennis (Sally) Hanes of Waukee, IA and Douglas (Marcia) Hanes of Aurora, CO; 8 beautiful grandchildren, Jennifer Crandell, Matthew Hanes, Sarah (Ryan) Mentele, Becky (Jim) Perdue, Tony Montinguise, Jonathan (Sarah) Hanes, Amanda (Ted) McBee and Christopher Montinguise; and 10 special great-grandchildren, ZoeAnne, Chantz, Jordan, Evalyn, Cheyanne, Conlin, Tristan, Jaxxson, Alana and Harper; her brother Richard (Jeannine) Wickliff of Norwalk, IA and brother-in law Jerry (Jean) Hanes of Aurora, CO. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph W. Hanes in 1988; her son Richard Dick (Diane) Hanes in 2014; and her daughter Diana (Michael) Montinguise in 2015. Norma grew up in Des Moines. She attended North High School in Des Moines and graduated from St. Angela Academy in Carroll in 1945. It was a girls-only school, preparing her for nurses training. Joe and Norma were married at College Avenue Church on August 10, 1952. In 1954, Joe and Norma became charter members of the new Glen Echo Christian Church. Joe was transferred to Omaha in 1959 with Goodyear Company and transferred again to Denver in 1961. Norma loved to dance and if she could, she would dance all night! She also loved music but wasnt blessed with a strong singing voice. But she could always hear her Joe sing, he had a beautiful God-given voice. Joe, Norma and the family returned to Des Moines in 1966 and re-joined Glen Echo. They remained very active, serving as youth group leaders, Sunday school teachers and choir members. Norma worked as the church secretary and also served as a Deaconess and Elder. Joe and Normas youth and adult groups helped all who attended and especially helped Joe and Norma raise their own family. They hoped to instill in their kids love, faith and understanding in raising their own families. Norma enjoyed her bowling leagues and traveling to tournaments across the country. She also played golf in different golf leagues. In addition to remaining active in her church, she was a 35 year member of the Acanthus/Waveland Eastern Star. Norma worked in the medical and advertising fields for many years as a receptionist and secretary. But her greatest pride and joy were always her children and grandchildren. Norma lost her beloved husband Joe in 1988. After retiring in 1995, Norma moved to Waukee into the Candleridge Apartments, a new senior-living apartment complex. There she met many new and wonderful friends. She enjoyed the many potlucks and playing bingo with her tripoli girls. She joined the Plus-50 Club in Waukee where she continued her love of playing bridge, cribbage and tripoli. She lived happily for many years with her best friend Morris the cat. Norma truly appreciated all her Waukee friends. She helped start a Senior Center there and held monthly potlucks and activities. Norma would like to thank all of her Waukee friends for sharing her later life as you all watched your grandchildren and great-grandchildren come along and grow up and wonder where did the time go? Normas final years were spent watching her children and grandchildren grow their families, through good and bad, but always in faith and love. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 9 at Glen Echo Christian Church 4323 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310. Visitation will be prior to the funeral from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Luncheon will follow the funeral service. Contributions can be made in her name to Glen Echo Christian Church and the Waukee Fire Department.