Norma Eloise Newton, 101, Dickinson, died Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Norma’s Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Belfield Lutheran Church, Belfield, with Rev. Dawn Busch officiating. Interment will follow at Belfield Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Norma Eloise Smith was born on March 10, 1922 at home south of Belfield, the daughter of Vern A. and Caroline (Little) Smith. She was raised in “south country” Belfield. She attended Rocky Ridge Country School, Model High School in Dickinson and Dickinson State Teachers College where she received her teaching certificate.
She taught school in rural Belfield, New England and Regent country schools. Norma married Roger Elsworth Newton on November 7, 1943 in Dickinson. They lived on and operated farms near Belfield, Norma often helping with dairy, field work and cattle. They raised four children. Norma was also a substitute teacher at Belfield Public School.
Norma belonged to Belfield First Presbyterian Church where she served as treasurer, church elder and member of the choir. She spent many years as a 4-H Club Leader, member of Eastern Star (past matron), Belfield Senior Center and Homemakers. She enjoyed cooking, serving, gardening, singing, bowling and knitting. Well into her 80’s, Norma raised a huge garden and enjoyed sharing the produce with the elderly. She herself was never elderly, she was always just “Plenty-nine”.
Norma is survived by her children, Arliss Link, Bismarck, Joy Lynn (Art) Hayden, Mandan, and Judy (Ronald) Bock, Dickinson; daughter-in-law Helen Privratsky, seven grandchildren, Jonathan Link, Heather Newton Kamtz, Todd Hayden, Eric Bock, Penny Hayden Bielawski, Loren Bock and Gretchen Bock Williams, step-granddaughters, Holly and Heidi Snow; nine great-grandchildren, Danielle Krupicka, Ryan Hart, Kira Link, Emma Bock, Eli Bock, Elliot Bielawski, Parker Williams, Ava Bock and Payson Williams; and one great-great granddaughter, Miriam Krupicka. Also surviving are almost daughters, niece DeLona Hecker, Girl Friday Marie Lantz, special confidant and hairdresser, Gloria Mellmer; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Newton; son, James Newton (1972); her parents; and all of her 15 siblings.
A special thank you for the excellent care she received at Hawks Point and St. Luke’s Nursing Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Belfield Dollars for Scholars.
