Obituary of Norma R. Highberger

Norma R. Highberger, age 97, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at Parkview Heights in Garnett. She was born on May 5, 1921, in Harris, Kansas, the daughter of Walter and Edna (Kelley) Lankard. She grew up on her parents' farm near Glenloch, Kansas and helped her father by driving a team of mules to pull a hay rake. She and her sister raised popcorn to sell to help buy the family's first radio in 1928. Norma attended Iantha school and Garnett High School, and graduated from Emporia State University with a bachelor's degree in education. Norma was united in marriage to Clarence A. Highberger on November 29, 1958, at Westphalia, Kansas. They had two children, Dennis and Deanna. Norma taught for 36 years, at Earnest, Richmond, Longfellow, Irving, Harris, Welda, Bush City, and Mont Ida grade schools. She was an active member of her community, including serving as president of the Garnett Business and Professional Women and volunteering for many years at the Garnett Senior Center. In their later years, Clarence and Norma enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing, and spending time with their grandchildren. When asked for her secret to staying vital in her later years, she said "Try to help others as much as you can and don't think about yourself too much." She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence Highberger on December 22, 1997; one granddaughter, Marissa Hattemer; and three siblings, Eula Ten Eyck; Edwin "Sandy" Lankard; and Keith Lankard. Norma is survived by her son, Dennis Highberger; her daughter, Deanna Hattemer, both of Lawrence, Kansas; three grandsons, Travis Hattemer and wife Rebecca of Garnett, Kansas; Alex Hattemer of Lawrence, Kansas; Jeremy Hattemer of Oskaloosa, Kansas; two great-grandsons, Hayden and Greyson Hattemer; and many nieces and nephews and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Garnett, with burial to follow at the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett. The family will greet friends on Wednesday evening, December 26, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Angels Catholic Church or the Garnett Area Ministerial Alliance Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com