Norma Christene Wages, age 76 of Republic, MO passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born the daughter of Mose Clifford Levell and Norma Nancy (Drew) Levell in Marceline, MO.  She was a long time member of the El Paso Women's Club and was on the board of the Senior Citizen's Center in Republic. She volunteered in many capacities over the years including addiction recovery and grief recovery programs. Her favorite volunteer jobs were stocking and shopping with those in need at community outreach stores like Spare N Share in El Paso and Grand Oaks Mission in Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Donald Wages, their son Kurtis Wages, her husband of 3 years Al Hall, her parents and siblings Dorsey Levell and Joyce Jackson. She is survived by her husband of 5 years William (Bud) Taylor, her daughter Julie Swanson and husband Brian and grandsons Ronald Stimpert and Reece Stimpert, all of El Paso IL, and by her daughter-in-law April Wages of Springfield MO and granddaughters McKenzie Grogan and husband Spencer of Kansas City, MO and Kassidy Wages of Springfield MO.

Christene was an avid thrifter, some might say the QUEEN of garage sales, and enjoyed shopping for others probably more than for herself. Though she always had her eyes peeled for a new old cookie jar or Little Golden Book to add to her collections, it was the thrill of the hunt that she loved so much. She never knew a stranger and her infectious smile continually drew new friends into her circle. As we gather to celebrate her life together she would love for us to wear bright colors (red was her favorite) or a favorite thrifted item.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Grand Oaks Mission with the Greene County Baptist Association or St Jude's Children's Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, with Memorial Service following at 2:00 PM, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.