Norma Jean Hiddleson

Norma Jean Hiddleson, 88, of Ankeny, IA, formerly of Perry, IA passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Bridges at Ankeny surrounded by her family.

Norma was born in Lake City, IA on December 5, 1935 to Charles Hane and Trola (Woods) Hane. She met her best friend and love of her life, Don Hiddleson, and the two were married in 1955. Don and Norma spent 68 years together and raised 4 children at their farm near Dawson. Norma was a dedicated farm wife, and was always doing things around the house and helping with any chores that needed to get done. She was known most for her gardening skills and she had an incredible ability to create art through her flowers. Norma's flower gardens were even featured in an article in the 2012 Our Iowa Magazine which highlighted one of Iowa's most beautiful farms each year.

Norma also taught Sunday school at the United Methodist Church in Dawson for many years, and continued attending church at the First Presbyterian Church in Perry. She coined the nickname ‘energizer bunny’ from friends and neighbors because she never seemed to slow down. She made sure that she was at every child’s sporting event or school performance, and continued to never miss any events of her grandchildren. She and Don also enjoyed spending the winter months in Arizona, where she continued to make friends and socialize with everyone. Norma will be remembered as an incredibly loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings; Fern Wilson, Glen Hane, Lloyd Hane, and Ralph Hane.

Those left to cherish Norma’s memory are her husband, Don Hiddleson, her children; Colleen (David) Rich, Steve Hiddleson, Pam (Craig) Doocy, and Kim (Jim) DeLong, her grandchildren; John (Ana) Rich, Jenn Rich, Sarah Rich, Lauren Doocy, and Allison (Grant) Leonard, as well as her four great grandchildren.

A visitation for Norma will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Perry Chapel, 1721 Park St.. A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 am the following day, Monday, January 8, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to Perry Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.