Norma Lamphier

(Age75) Died peacefully with her children at her side on Friday, July 19, 2019. She was born January 21, 1944 in Traverse City, MI to Ernest & Martha (Hein) Clark. Norma graduated from Traverse City Senior High School in 1962, and then moved to Battle Creek, MI where she went to work for Sears & Roebuck. On November 23, 1963, Norma married Larry Lamphier, and though separated for many years, they remained friends throughout his life. After starting their family in 1965, Norma began operating a licensed, in-home day care service, which allowed her to stay home to raise her three sons, as well as impart her beautiful heart and nurturing character upon other children. All of those children loved coming to Norma's house, and still comment today of their love for her and the positive influence she made upon their childhood years. In the prime of her life, at age 32, Norma was stricken by a severely debilitating stroke that left her right side completely paralyzed. She never regained the use of her right arm, but her disabilities did nothing more than slow her down a bit. She continued to raise and provide for her children, and live life to the fullest, all with a cheerful heart and smile on her face. Norma enjoyed crafting and sewing, all of which she was able to do without the use of her right arm (and she was right-handed!). She was also an accomplished accordion player, and loved all kinds of music, particularly classic country and bluegrass gospel music. She cherished time with family, and spent many late summers with her sisters, canning and preserving the bounties of the garden. She was a member of Community of Christ Church. Norma is survived by sons, Timothy Lamphier of Sapphire, NC, Bruce Lamphier of Kalamazoo, MI, and Douglas (Desiree) Lamphier of Portage, MI, three granddaughters, Brittani Lamphier, Savannah Lamphier and Holly Lamphier, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as sisters, Janice Jackson and Louise Richardson, and brothers, Wayne, Gerald, Leon and Ronald Clark. A Memorial Service to Honor and Celebrate Norma's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Pathfinder Church, 8740 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage, MI. Family will greet friends and family beginning at 10:00 am. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. A private burial in Traverse City, MI will occur at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Pathfinder Church or Meals on Wheels of Kalamazoo. Arrangements were made by Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Norma may be placed at www.langelands.com.