Norma Sue Tucker of Springfield passed away suddenly at 9:01 a.m. Sunday morning at Cox South ER, just as her daughter arrived behind the ambulance to hold her hand.

Norma was born in Broken Arrow, OK to Everett and Leah Southard. Her father passed away when she was only 5 years old, leaving her mother to support her alone. They moved to be near relatives in California.  She learned at an early age to be independent and smart. She loved telling funny stories of sometimes taking the city bus alone to interesting places, eating by herself at soda fountains, and being chased home by a bully from school to their boarding house. It was a tough time, but eventually her loving, hard-working mother married a wonderful Navy man, Howard Rhea, and a few years later her beloved little sister Judy was born.

Norma graduated from Classen High School in Okla. City, OK in 1953. She had just married Jack Tucker, who would be her loving husband of 63 years, as he was leaving for the Air Force during the Korean War.  She worked in insurance in Washington D.C. in his absence. Two children were later born, Cyndi and Mike. She was the kind of mom everyone would love to have. She was always there after school with a snack on the table, ready to hear about their day. Her passions were reading, square dancing, her bowling league, and spending time at the lake. Once the children were grown, she renewed her interest in the workplace. She had a successful marketing career during her and Jack's years in Kimberling City, and after moving to Springfield with Jack to be near their daughter, started a 16-year career with Edco. She loved her job as Sales and Marketing Coordinator, had many friends there, and retired at 70 years of age.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her stepdad, and her husband Jack. She is survived by her daughter Cyndi (Ed), son Mike (Linda), sister Judy (Danny), four grandchildren: Erin (Jason), Kelsey (Kyle), Regina (Davis), and Jeritt (Stacy), eight great-grandchildren who called her "GG", special nieces Nancy Dee and Shelly, nephew Gary, and her cousins Shirley and Sandra. She adored animals, especially her beloved dogs Roxie and Pepper. She leaves behind many friends, whose friendships she cherished. She and her mother were proud tribal members of the Muscogee Creek Nation, as are her children and her sister.

Graveside services will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery on December 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Her friend, Chaplain Cliff Rawley from her former church, Campbell United Methodist, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri or to dove-project.org in honor of Norma Tucker.