Norma Jean (Colton) Scanlon

Norma Jean (Colton) Scanlon, 88, of Salem, Missouri, departed this life on January 20, 2023. A Celebration of her Life was held on Wednesday, January 25, at Salem United Methodist Church, Salem, preceded by a visitation for family and friends. Rev. Barry Baugh gave the sermon, Pastor Brandon Knox gave the message, and Pastor Chris Hendrix read the lesson. Special music was provided by SUMC Music Director/pianist Ed Morris, who accompanied soloist David Weiss. Arrangements were under the care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Norma is survived by her dear family; children, Marilyn Sweitzer and husband Ken of Salem, MO, JoAnne Knox and husband Dave of Apollo Beach, FL, and Janet Brannan of Salem, MO; sisters, Margie Lawson of CA, and Inez Broome (Bob) of TN. Norma had eight grandchildren: Robert Sweitzer (Crystal) of House Springs, MO, Jill Reddell (Doug), Auburn, CA, Christian Sweitzer (Shannon) of Bristol, RI, Katherine Malavenda (Brett) of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Brandon Knox (Jessie) of Gainesville, GA, Melissa Knox of Asheville, NC, Joshua Renfro (Holly) of Odenton, MD, Lauren Renfro of Lake Havasu City, AZ; great grandchildren Luke & Camille Malavenda, Kaylee Renfro, River & Henry Reddell, Tony & Joseph Sweitzer, Jameson Burns & Remington Sweitzer; Ava, Graham, and Clara Knox. She had five great-great grandchildren; Colton, Blakely, Harley, Raelynn and Maddie Grace Sweitzer, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Norma was born in Sacramento, CA in 1934; she grew up in the San Bernardino mountain foothills where she began her lifelong love of horses. She graduated from Chaffey High School in 1952 and married the love of her life, Joe Scanlon, the same year. Joe and Norma were inseparable for 54 years until his death in 2006. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years to her four daughters. A part time Christmas job led to her working her way up to Department Manager at the May Company, and later Thrifty Drug Store. She was always active in church, singing in the choir with her lovely soprano voice, and serving as Church Treasurer at Faith Lutheran, Yucaipa, CA., for decades. She and Joe loved exploring the Mojave Desert and the West. Norma retired from her retail career in 1992. She relocated to Salem in 2013, to a small country home across the street from Bob and Gail Gravley, who became her best friends, along with Marilyn and Ken next door. She and Marilyn loved trail rides in the beautiful Ozark National Scenic Riverways with horseback riding friends. Norma loved her church, volunteering at the Salem Senior Center, and after she quit driving, riding with SMTS. She had some major health setbacks, and was on Hospice care almost one year; she passed away peacefully at home with her family and little dog Happy at her side. Norma’s grandson, Brandon Knox, is a Pastor, and is forming a new church in the Gainesville, GA area. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation for the church may do so in Norma’s memory; they may be mailed to Pastor Brandon Knox, 2704 Limestone Creek Dr., Gainesville, GA. 30501. The family thanks all those who supported us during this last year, and to those who conducted her service. Special thanks to Three Rivers Hospice for their compassionate care. Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com