Norma Jean Gehringer passed away peacefully with her family at her side on September 8, 2021, at the age of 87 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

Norma was born January 29, 1934, in Maud, Oklahoma to Oscar Wakely and Lorene (Jones) Wakely. She grew up in Maud and attended school there.

She married Murray Gehringer on September 2, 1955. They lived in Maud, OK, Lafayette, LA, and Calumet, OK, eventually settling in Kingfisher to raise their five children. In 1964 she began working for Kingfisher public schools in various positions ranging from school bus driver, janitor, cook to finally manager of the three school kitchens. In 1979 she left the school to take a position in the operator's department of Pioneer Telephone, retiring as a shift supervisor in 1999. After retirement she worked for two years at WheatHeart Nutrition assisting with meals.

Norma was a creative, energetic, loving wife and mother. She was a fantastic cook, photographer, artist, and seamstress. She crocheted afghans, scarves, hats, and potholders (many people received those as Christmas and birthday gifts.) She made stained glass windows, which are still in house where she lived. She was a member of the Oklahoma Historical Society and made several vintage inspired dresses to wear to their events.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, a son Bob Gehringer and a daughter Mary Byrd, she is survived by two sons Bill and spouse Joy Gehringer, Prague, OK, Don and spouse Thelma Gehringer, Grove, OK and daughter Cheryl Ross, Kingfisher, and Son-in-law Greg Byrd, Longmont, eight grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

The family extends sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of Russell Murray Hospice for the compassionate and extraordinary care provided for the last two and one-half years.

Grave side services will be held Monday September 13th 2021 at 10:00AM at Kingfisher Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.  Rev. Dr. Jennifer Long will be officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Russell Murray Hospice 202 N. Main, Kingfisher, OK 73750 and Alzheimer Association act.alz.org/site/Donation (800-272-3900).