Norma Lee (Turner) Rockhill Obituary (1939 - 2018)

Norma Lee Turner Rockhill, 79, of Emmett, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 in Lindon, Utah. Norma had valiantly battled breast cancer for nine years. Norma was born in Baker Oregon on March 21, 1939 to James and Ossie Turner. She married Robert "Bob" Clayton Rockhill in Idaho Falls, Idaho on April 4, 1961. Norma grew up on the family farm, loved animals and was heavily involved in the 4H Club. Her family was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1953. Norma attended high school in Homedale, Idaho. After graduation she went to cosmetology school in Nampa, Idaho. A few years later she moved to Caldwell to work and met Bob. Norma and her family moved a lot during their marriage. They lived in Caldwell, Idaho; then Logan, Utah Bob went to school and where she loved her job working at the locally famous Bluebird Cafe. David, their first son, was born in Logan. After Bob graduated from Utah State University, they moved to Saint Charles, Missouri. Mom often reflected that the worst hours of her life were on the train with her toddler son. A year later they moved to Federal Way, Washington where her second child, Marla, was born. A year later they moved to Corvallis, Oregon where their third child, Lisa, was born, and Bob received his PhD from Oregon State University. After a few other local moves, Bob joined the Navy as a commissioned officer and the family moved to Livermore, California where they lived for three years. Bob was then transferred to Jakarta, Indonesia. This was Norma's favorite time with her family. After four years in Indonesia they moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland, and four years later the family moved to San Diego, California where Bob retired as Captain. Bob and Norma moved "back" to Idaho in 1994 to live out their retirement. Bob passed away in 2004 after a heroic battle with cancer. Norma spent the next 13 years in Emmett by herself keeping busy with her large yard, church callings, the TOPS group and friends. Norma than moved to Utah to be close to her son, David and his family, while she battled her breast cancer for the next two years. She passed away in the Spring Gardens Assisted living. Norma had an infectious love for life and was incredibly friendly and compassionate. She was energetic and would light up a room when she walked in. She had a unique zest for life and a positive attitude that helped her make the best of her battle with cancer. Norma was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were all so blessed to have her in our lives for as long as we did. Norma is survived by her sister, Linda Turner (Caldwell, Idaho) and her three children; David Rockhill (Lindon, Utah), Marla Asher (Emmett, Idaho) and Lisa Morgan (Glendale, Arizona) and 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother (Nelson Turner) and husband. The family expresses their gratitude to the gracious staff, in particular the CNAs, at the Spring Gardens Assisted Living, for their constant care. We are also so grateful for the wonderful caregivers associated with her cancer treatments. Words cannot express our appreciation for the loving and caring support from her Hospice caregivers. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 3:00 PM at the Olpin Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah where friends and family may attend a viewing from 2:30 - 3:00 PM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Black Canyon Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 1001 E 2nd Street in Emmett, Idaho. Friends and family may attend a viewing from 9:00 - 9:45 AM. Norma will be laid to rest next to her dear sweetheart in the Emmett Idaho Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.