Norma Conover, 95 of rural Lynnville, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 23, 2024 at the Traditions Memory Care of Newton. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:30 pm Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the Sully Community Church with Pastor Jerry Morningstar officiating. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall of the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Progress Industries; 202 N. 3rd Ave. W.; Newton, Iowa 50208. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.

Norma Jean Conover, the daughter of Francis and Lenora (Kooistra) Schmidt, was born on August 3, 1928 near Searsboro, Iowa. She graduated from New Sharon High School in 1948 then attended Northwest College in Loring, MN receiving her Teacher's Certificate. On June 7, 1950, Norma Jean was united in marriage to Bruce Conover at Bruce's childhood home near Sully. To this union six children were born, David, Deborah, Thomas Daniel, Ruth, Paul Thomas and Laurie.  Norma taught a few years at Fleming Country School near Taintor and subbed at Austin Country School north of Lynnville but was mainly a housewife raising their children. Norma's passion was doll making and was known for her "Dollyville Tours" that she gave at her home. Over the years she had over 800 dolls.

Her legacy will be cherished by her daughters, Ruth (Marlo) Jansen of Sully and Laurie Conover of Chicago; her seven grandchildren, Ben (Tara) Conover, Angela (Patrick) Patterson, Caleigh (Ryan) Dowie, Zach (Ashley) Conover, Holly (Brandon) Lester, Luke (Jolee) Jansen and Noelle (Brandon) Husmann; 20 great grandchildren; a brother, Freddie Wayne Schmidt along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bruce in 2007; three sons, David, Thomas Daniel and Paul Thomas; a daughter, Deborah Conover; siblings, Mary Lois Vande Krol, Barbara Sexton and Sammie Lee Schmidt.