Norma Marie Degenhart

Norma Marie Degenhart, 83, of Columbus, formerly of Billings, joined her heavenly father on July 29, 2019, with her husband and loving family by her side.

Norma was born on May 22, 1936, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Vernon and Gladys Wagner. Following high school, Norma relocated to Billings for work, where she would meet the love of her life, Roy Degenhart. They were married on Feb.11, 1956, and have been devoted to one another for the past 63 years.

Norma and Roy raised seven children in East Billings on the family farm. Once they were older, she went to work as the Parish Administrator at St. Patrick's Church. In 2009, Norma and Roy moved to Columbus, where they resided until her passing.

Norma possessed many fine qualities. She was well known for being a supreme hostess. Opening her home to many, family, friends, clergy.... She was a devout mother, dedicated to raising her children in a home filled with love and faith. Her connection with family and friends was one of the most important aspects of her life; she always found the time to be a good listener, a good friend and share her amazing wisdom. Norma lived for special times with her family, traveling across the country to laugh and enjoy each other. She loved her winters in Arizona and her summers in Montana. Two of Norma's favorite hobbies included dropping a coin in the closest machine and family gatherings. She just loved people.

One of the pillars of Norma's character was her devotion to God, which she demonstrated by her respect and acceptance of all.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Skip Wagner. Norma is survived by her husband, Roy; her seven children, Debbie (Mark), Patty (Dan) of Arizona, Mary (Dennis) of Colorado, Sue (Jerry), Joe (Carol), Ron (Lori), Amy (Paul) of Montana; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Hank (Maxine), Fr. Joe, Bob (Marian), Ron (Chris) and sisters Janet, Sr. Kay, Mary Lou (Bob), Roxie (Marty); and multiple nieces and nephews.

Words can't express the influence she had on all of us.

Vigil services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, and Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, both at St. Bernard's Parish in Billings Heights. The casket will be open at the church one hour prior to each service. Committal will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.