As per her wishes, no services will be held and a private family burial will be held at Monroe Cemetery. Norma was born on August 22, 1911 in Monroe, Iowa and she was adopted and raised by Harvey and Bessie Farmer Churchill. She graduated from Monroe High School with the class of 1928. She was united in marriage to Ward M. Gifford on July 4, 1934 in Newton, Iowa. The couple lived in Des Moines and she was employed by the YWCA as a residence director. Upon moving to Grinnell Norma worked at Grinnell General Telephone from which she retired. She also worked at the front desk of the Best Western Motel in Grinnell on weekends until destroyed by a tornado and then upon reopening she returned there for several more years. She had also worked at Grinnell College for a short time. She took great pride in the fact she maintained a sharp mind and good health so she had the ability to work so late in life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe and the Eagles Auxiliary in Grinnell. Norma was a subperb seamstress and her appearance always demonstrated her talents. She enjoyed crafts and loved the outdoors. Her birds, yard, and entertaining squirrels were often subjects of conversations. She loved fishing, a cold beer at the end of the day, and a good football or baseball game. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Gifford of Pella, Iowa; and her good friends Ida (Don) Starnes of Grinnell and Patti Shine of Victor; and her adopted family and close friends, Jolene Bru-Tratchel, and her children Todd(JoAnn) Tratchel, Tommy and Carlie and Bret Tratchel and family. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Ward Gifford in November of 1960; and her brother, Claire Gifford.