Norma Joan Partch

Norma Joan Partch, 65, of Independence, MO passed away, Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at her home after a courageous struggle with pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be 9:30 until 11:00 am Friday, September 26, 2003 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Services will be 11:00 am at the chapel following visitation. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of sending flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norma Joan Partch Memorial Fund, c/o Woods Chapel Baptist Church, 701 NW Woods Chapel Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015. The world was brightened with the birth of Norma Joan Runion on April 6, 1938 in Lamar, MO, before spending most of her life in the Kansas City area. Norma, or Joan as her family and close friends knew her, battled her cancer with surgery and extensive treatments with no complaints and maintained a gracious demeanor in every aspect of her life until she answered the call from her Lord. Through her pain and struggles, she maintained her faith and trust in God, and has deeply inspired and touched the lives of those who knew and loved her. Norma Joan was a loving, devoted wife and best friend to her husband, Nelson C. Partch and wonderful mother to her children, Richard C. Partch, Laura J. Ward and Kathryn A. Nichol. Throughout her life, Norma Joan served in numerous faith-based and service oriented organizations and received many honors. She was a past President of the South Kansas City Christian Women�s Club, and was a much sought after speaker for Christian Women�s Clubs throughout the multi-state area. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Rainbow Center, the center for special education and developmental needs; and the Missouri Association of Director of Volunteer Services. She was a past President of the Kansas City Directors of Volunteer Services. After her retirement as Director of Auxiliary and Volunteer Services at Independence Regional Hospital, Norma Joan served as church secretary at Woods Chapel Baptist Church in Blue Springs, MO and considered it a continuation of her personal ministry for Christ. Throughout her life, she possessed a wonderful, faith-based positive attitude, internal strength and complete confidence that she was a part of God�s plan. Although taken from us much too soon, she will remain an inspiration in the hearts and minds of her family and many, many friends. Norma Joan is survived by her husband of 47 years, Nelson C. Partch; her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Margaret Partch of Smithville, MO; her two daughters and their husbands, Laura and David Ward of Adrian, MO and Kathryn and David Nichol of Independence, MO, 13 grandchildren, her parents Gerald and Adalyne Runion of Independence, MO; sister-in-law and brother-inlaw Selma and James Mansfield of Independence, MO; her sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Terry Nelson of Independence, MO and numerous loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.