Norma Ruth Parker

Norma Ruth (Rader) Parker, passed away on July 9, 2023, in her hometown of Claremore, Oklahoma. She was born on December 20, 1937, in Claremore to her loving parents, Jess Willard and Archie Elgin (Dennis) Rader. Service for Norma will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Calvary Free Will Baptist Church, burial will follow at Oowala Cemetery.  Friends may visit at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 19 from 1pm-7pm. 

Education held great importance to Norma. Growing up in Claremore, she attended Claremore schools until her junior year. After marrying Clyde Parker, of Claremore on August 6, 1955, and moving to White City, Kansas, she pursued her education there and graduated with the class of 1956.  To this union four children were born.  In 1963 the family moved back to Claremore and later to Tulsa.  Due to her health, she moved back to Claremore 4 years ago to live with her daughter.

Norma's passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a warm and nurturing individual who dedicated her life to caring for her family and was renowned for her kind and gentle demeanor. Her warm-heartedness made it easy for her to make friends wherever she went. Throughout her life, Norma never uttered a bad word about anyone and exemplified true kindness. She began her journey as a stay-at-home mom until her children were older. She later attended business school and joined Dowell Oilfield Services as an administrative assistant, where she brought her exceptional organizational skills and nurturing nature to the workplace.

In addition to caring for others, Norma had several interests that brought immense joy to her life. She was a talented seamstress and had the ability to create beautiful clothing for her children with love and care. Her sewing skills were truly remarkable. Furthermore, Norma found delight in ceramics and had a deep passion for colorizing black and white photographs. For a time, she even pursued this passion professionally. 

Norma is survived by two children, Beverly Wood, Claremore, and John Parker, Tulsa; her grandchildren Michelle Murphy, Tiffany Murphy, Nicole Emery, T.J. Murphy, Jennifer (John) Franks, John Forrester, Jared Parker, Brittany (Sam) Brumley, and Memory (Levi) Pickering, along with her 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; her sisters Bonnie (Huey) Schulze and Juanita Keys both of Claremore, one aunt and several cousins and many nieces and nephews.  Norma was preceded in death by her parents Willard and Elgin Rader, her daughter Norma Clydene (Parker) Murphy, son Jimmie Dale Parker, sisters Joyce Rader and Linda Kay Sisson, and brother Kenny Rader.