Norma Lee Ross, 87

Norma Lee Ross went to be with her Heavenly Father on April 26, 2024, in Lynden, Washington, at the age of 87 following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Norma was born to Theodore and Esther Ross on Feb. 5, 1937, in Kalispell.

Norma graduated from Flathead High School in 1955. Following graduation, she attended business school for two years in Minneapolis. She became the office manager for Dr. Van Kirke Nelson. She retained this position until her retirement, managing the office of Kalispell OB/GYN & Associates for nearly 30 years. Upon her retirement, Norma purchased the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in Kalispell, which she operated until 1996.

Norma married Ron Koefelda in 1984. They enjoyed nearly 18 wonderful years together. After calling the Flathead Valley home for 60 years, Norma moved to northern Idaho with her husband, Ron, in 1997, where she lived for the next 25 years.

She loved the outdoors and the summer sunshine! She was an avid hiker, and she rarely missed her daily walk. She loved golf, taking scenic drives, her many dogs, going out to breakfast, and taking leisurely bike rides. In her twilight years she became a snowbird and migrated south for the winter. Most of all Norma enjoyed her family, delighting in her roles of mother and "Nana". Norma spent the final years of her life in the care of her son, Mark, surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a member of the Assembly of God church in Kalispell for 60 years. Norma's faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the foundation of her life. Even when her mind had failed, she still took comfort in the name of Jesus until the day she died.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Koefelda; her brothers, Ken and Robert Ross; and her great-grandson, Maverick John Kanis. 

She is survived by her son, Mark (Krista) Stromberg of Lynden, Washington; and her stepdaughter, Jody Dolan of Lake Oswego, Oregon. Her grandchildren, Mackenzie (Nathan) Kanis of Edmond, Oklahoma; John-Mark Stromberg of Tallahassee, Florida; Johanna Stromberg of Lynden, Washington; Liam and Nora Dolan of Lake Oswego, Oregon. Her great-grandchildren Remington, Oakley and Presley Kanis of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Her funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at Canvas Church in Kalispell. Interment will follow at Conrad Memorial Cemetery.