Norma L. Ator

3/23/1932 — 5/10/2019

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On Friday, May 10, 2019, Norma Lee Ator joined her husband, Dallas, who preceded her in death on Thursday, April 26, 2012, both in Lewiston. She was born Norma Lee Brugger March 23, 1932, on the family farm in Post Falls, to Nelle and Edward Brugger, the youngest of four children. She graduated from Post Falls High School and North Idaho College with a degree in home economics, which served her well over the years.

Norma and Dallas were married July 14, 1950, in Coeur d’Alene where they began their family of three daughters. Dallas was superintendent of Coeur d’Alene School District and both were active in community organizations, including the PTA, numerous fraternal organizations and the Presbyterian Church.

The family left Coeur d’Alene in 1962 for Portland, Ore., and then Corvallis, Ore. Norma was employed as a secretary during these years. In 1971, Dallas was employed by Ohio State University and they moved to Denver, finally moving to Columbus, Ohio, where Norma was employed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Summers were spent at their cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene in Beauty Bay.

In 1980, Dallas received an appointment through the U.S. Department of Labor to work in Saudi Arabia. During those 13 years, they were able to travel all over the world, returning to Coeur d’Alene in the summers to spend time with family and friends. Norma sometimes boasted of having been in every country except South America. She recorded these years in fabulous scrapbooks.

Norma and Dallas also resided in Washington, D.C., and Corpus Christi, Texas, finally retiring in Oriental, N.C. They resided in Las Vegas for a short time before moving to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley because of declining health in 2007.

Survivors include daughters and families, Alison and Pete Spellman of Clarkston, Anne and James Adair of Columbus and Barbara Christ of Manassas, Va.; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the “angels” who cared for Norma at Wedgewood Terrace, who took the time to French braid her hair, polish her nails, give her many kisses and hugs and accompany her to appointments. Also, a very special thank you goes to the ladies of Kindred Hospice for their guidance, love, and support and to Dr. Michael Baldeck and staff for their unwavering patience.

With respect of final wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

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