Norma Hellen Vavra's Obituary
Norma Hellen Vavra of Mesquite, Texas, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, October 18, 2024, in her home at the age of 95. She was born in Tulia, Texas September 18, 1929, to Margie and Irvin Patzig. I spoke with her about her faith just a couple of months ago. She clearly recounted at age 12 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, during a tent revival, Brother Jessup preaching about Jesus wanting to be our lifelong friend. So, during the alter call she went forward to confess her sins and invited Jesus to be her savior and friend. She shared that in more recent days, after losing her sight, seeking God’s help to find her way safely around the apartment.
She married Leo Vavra on September 13, 1947. She loved her church, her family and music. I remember as a young kid waking on Saturday mornings to her playing the piano and singing hymns in her beautiful alto voice. She spent many active years in the United Methodist Church Women’s Society, at times preparing and leading their lessons. She was a dedicated mother and housewife back when the term “Housewife” was a good thing. She was also an accomplished seamstress. I remember her making clothes for us kids and herself.
Norma was preceded in death by her father Irvin and mother Margie Patzig, brother Billy Pat and his wife Jonnie Patzig, brother Charles (Sonny) and his wife Ladell Patzig, our dad Leo Vavra, son-in-law Gerald Grantges, daughter Cathey and her husband Paul Boedeker.
She is survived by her youngest brother George and wife Janice Patzig, daughter Linda Grantges, son Rick and his wife Sherri Vavra, as well as 7 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
What’s your fondest memory of Norma?
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