Norma Jean (Schwaderer) Corbitt, 79
Norma Jean (Schwaderer) Corbitt passed away on Nov. 6, 2016, in Kalispell after a long fight with dementia. She was 79.
Norma was born on March 16, 1937, in Alliance, Nebraska, the oldest of three children (Janis and Larry). Her father worked in agriculture and her mother was a nurse. She played saxophone and sang in the choir at school.
After graduation, she took a job with the phone company as an operator. It was here she met Richard Corbitt, spending time sneaking calls to him at work. They were married on Sept. 1, 1956, in Alliance and spent the next 60 years together in marriage.
After Richard graduated from the University of Montana in 1957, they moved to Arlington, Washington, for Richard’s first teaching job, then on to Kalispell and Flathead High School in 1959. Daughter Traci was born in 1962, and son Scott in 1965.
Norma was very engaged in the community. She was active in the Hockaday Center for the Arts, as both a volunteer and an artist showing her work. She helped design and build the nativity scene at the Conrad Mansion that was displayed for years at Christmas. She was a member of the City Planning board, and also worked as an interior decorator. In 1978, she took a position as an assistant librarian at Flathead High School until 1994.
After retirement, Norma continued to paint, sculpt and take photographs, especially around her house overlooking the lake. She loved Griz football and going to games in Missoula. She was happiest sitting on her deck in the sun, overlooking the lake, with family around, and perhaps a nice glass of wine in her hand.
Norma is survived by her husband of 60 years, Richard, who was by her side through the battle with dementia; her daughter, Traci, of Kalispell; son, Scott, and his wife, Suzie, of Lewiston, Idaho; and grandchildren, Romano, 26, of Kalispell, Madison, 17, and Jack, 15, of Lewiston, Idaho.
At Norma’s request, there will not be a memorial service. Please send any cards, notes, or remembrances to P.O. Box 22, Somers, MT 59932.
To send a note of condolence, please go to the website www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.