Norma Louise Mcelroy

Norma Louise Eskew McElroy surely took deep breaths of celestial air when she entered Heaven just before earth's sunrise, Monday, February 20, 2012, from St. Mary Corwin Hospital in Pueblo, CO. Surrounded for several days by many loving family members talking and singing with her, she slipped earth's boundaries gently and peacefully and, we believe, was greeted on that other shore by her son Tom and other cherished family members. Norma began life in the Pritchett Hotel in Pritchett, CO, on March 31, 1934, the first child of William J. and Rosa Callaway Eskew. Later she was joined by three brothers William D., Jerry, and Gerald. When she was eight, a "sister" , Lela Mae Cochran became the fifth sibling and when Norma was a teenager, a second "sister", Pansy Jackson, brought the sibling count to six in this closely knit, loving family. Norma's childhood was spent in the Sandy Soil community, south of Springfield, CO where she attended grade school at old Crescent School, District 62. She graduated from Springfield High School with the class of 1952. Norma's childhood was during the lean years of the "Dirty 30's" and the "Great Depression". Early in life she learned to work hard and her life became characterized by her care of others and her generosity and devotion to those around her. She married the love of her life, J.B. McElroy, on Sept. 9, 1956. One of the happiest days of their life was the birth of their only child, a son, Thomas Emory, on June 26, 1962. Norma and J.B. lovingly devoted themselves to Tom, finding joy in his growth and each accomplishment. In a tragic, life-changing moment for the couple, Tom (age 17) was killed in a car accident along with his paternal grandmother, Frances McElroy, when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver near Lamar. Norma and J.B. faced their loss bravely and with such courage that all who knew them were touched and blessed by their example. From that day, their faith in a Sovereign God became even more vital to them. They faithfully attended Springfield First Church of God where Norma, following in her father's footsteps, served as church treasurer for more than 30 years. Norma was a good steward of her money and generously loaned and gave money to friends and family with specific need. Additionally, she cared for numerous senior citizens in Springfield, providing medical transportation, fixing the women's hair, doing countless errands and tasks for them. Especially she helped them understand and reconcile their bank statements. She was a full-time caregiver to a cousin Edna Bolster, her Grandma Callaway Retherford, her beloved mother-in-law Frances McElroy, and finally to her own mother for the last three years of her mother's life. A great cook and a hospitable lady, Norma and J.B. hosted countless gatherings to celebrate holidays, family get-togethers, or almost any occasion to bring her wide circle of friends and family together. Everyone loved all her special dishes from pot roasts to grilled burgers, from angel food cakes to homemade ice cream. Norma, as well, took food to friends in the area in their hour of need. Norma, like her Savior, "went about doing good." She was employed for more than 40 years at First National Bank (now Colorado East Bank) in Springfield. Words cannot express her loyalty to her home community, its activities and people, her many close friends who so lovingly built into her life. When her health began to decline, she wanted to remain in Springfield rather than moving closer to family members. She often expressed deep gratitude for the help so many cherished friends provided in recent months to her and J.B. Norma is survived by her husband, J.B. McElroy; two brothers: Gerald (Donna), Yukon, OK, and Jerry (Ruth), Kingsland, TX; one sister, Lela Mae Giles, Fresno, CA; two sisters-in-law: Virginia Eskew, Colorado Springs, and Nell McElroy Murray, Westville, OK. Nineteen nieces and nephews, including J.B.'s nieces and nephew, who all were like grandchildren to her, along with many great nieces and nephews survive, as well as cousins and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Tom, her parents, her mother-in-law, sister Pansy Williamson, and her brother William "Bill" Eskew, both sets of grandparents, Thomas and Mary Ann Eskew and Jeremiah and Irene Callaway, all early Baca County, CO pioneers. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou in into the joy of thy Lord." (Matt. 25:23). We will meet you in the morning over there.