Norma A Bendel

Norma Allene (Morrow) Bendel died August 30, 2023 in Moscow, ID.  Norma was born April 18, 1943 in Rosalia, WA to J. Delbert and Evelyn (St John) Morrow.  She was the second of 4 children.  After attending several schools in south-eastern Washington during her grade school years, the family settled in Pomeroy and she graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1961.  After high school Norma attended Kinman Business School in Spokane and also worked for Merrill Lynch.  In January 1962, she married Ken Sullins and they had two sons – Jim and John.  The marriage ended in divorce.    Norma and boys returned to Pomeroy.  In the following years, Norma worked for Old National Bank in Pomeroy, and Laborers Local 238 (of Spokane) in Pullman/Lewiston.  Norma married Archie Bendel  July 12, 1975 in Moscow, Idaho and joined him in operating Bendel’s Meats at Troy, Idaho.  They had a son, William (Bill) born 1977.

Archie and Norma closed their business, Bendel’s Meats, in 1981.  Norma went to work for First Bank of Troy/Key Bank in Troy and later, Moscow.  She also worked for Latah Federal Credit Union and the University of Idaho.  Norma retired from the University of Idaho, Facilities in 2009.

Norma enjoyed being creative – cooking, sewing, flower gardening, ceramics, painting and different needlecrafts.  A special joy was spending time with the grandkids and their activities, which were always fun, interesting and entertaining.   Extended-family gatherings were great times and treasured memories. Faith, family, reading and music were fundamental to her life.   Music sustains us in weary times and increases our joy during happy times.   Books opened new horizons and ideas to visit and explore.  Norma was a musician at Troy Lutheran Church for many years, and also participated in the church’s yearly quilting group, education committee, and worship committee.  She volunteered at the Troy Thrift Store.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Evelyn Morrow, sister Irene Raymond and brother Russell.   She is survived by sons:  Jim Sullins (Anna), John Bendel (Deidra) and Bill Bendel, and    brother JD Morrow (Susan) of Pomeroy.  Also survived by grandchildren: Holly Sullins, Kelby Sullins, Mary (Dan) Whitney; Dinah (Eli) Carpenter and Leah Bendel: and Tammany, Joseph and Madison Bendel;  and great-grandaughters Nora Whitney and Dalia Carpenter.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00 P.M. September 22, 2023 at Troy Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to:  Troy Lutheran Church, Box  9, Troy Idaho 83871; Troy Ambulance Box 324, 517 S Main St, Troy, ID 83871, Troy Library 402 S Main St, Troy, ID 83871 or a charity of choice.