Norma May Camp

Norma May Camp, 100 of Missoula passed away peacefully in her sleep Monday, August 19, 2013 at Bee Hive Homes in Missoula.

Norma was born February 27, 1913 in Loogootee, Indiana to the late Joseph L. and Ida Jan Crays. The family homesteaded to Broadus, MT several years later, traveling out west in an old Ford Model T with no top.

Norma married Wayne D. Camp on December 9, 1933 in Broadus, Montana. They relocated to Hamilton, Montana in 1948 where they raised their 4 children. During this time, Norma worked as a Dietary Aid at Community Hospital, where she commuted daily from Hamilton for work, until she retired.

In 1973 Norma adopted her Grandson, Steve, and raised him as her own. When he started school in 1979, Norma went to work for the Foster Grandparent program, helping first graders learn to read. Her passion for helping children blossomed during this period. Norma could be seen walking to the bus stop, taking the bus, then walking that last few blocks to school each day, rain or shine. Norma eventually retired from the Grandparent program when she was 82.

Norma was an amazing cook and enjoyed crocheting, especially afghans and was an avid reader. She was a member of the Methodist Church and later in life listened to church services on the radio.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne Camp and a daughter, Jackie Bolden of Seattle. As well as her brothers Sam Cramer and Forest Crays and her sisters Buela Cole and Wilma Rhodes.

Survivors include her daughter, Roberta (Tony) Wayland of Helena. Sons, Victor Camp of Helena and Steve Camp of Missoula and her sister Emma Crosby of Colorado. Norma also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton with Pastor Doug Peterson officiating.

The family suggests memorials to the Foster Grandparent Program of Missoula