Norma L. Hart

Norma Lee Gover was born May 18, 1933 to Boyd and Sarah Gover at home in Manhattan, Montana. She was the youngest of four children and was the apple of everyone's eye. Growing up, Norma spent most of her years in Manhattan with a brief period in Long Beach, CA. The family returned to Manhattan where she graduated from high School in 1951.

Norma married Wilbur Megaard in December 1952 in Manhattan. They welcomed their daughter Cynthia Marie in June 1954. They made their home in Billings, MT and in October 1962 they were blessed with a son, Allen Eugene. Sadly their marriage ended in 1966.

During her years in Billings she did a variety of things. She was a dedicated caregiver all of her life and provided daycare for many children, took in foster children and worked as a nurse's aid at St. Vincent's Hospital. She began attending "Parents Without Partners" in 1967 where she met her love, George R. Hart. They combined their families and were married in June 1969. Norma's family grew to include 3 lovely new daughters: Connie, Susan, and Stephanie. Norma continued working at Bernina Sewing Center, which allowed her to use her talent for sewing. When the store closed she moved on to the City/County Health Department where she worked first as a secretary and then as a lab technician until retirement. George and Norma enjoyed square dancing, traveling to visit family, and playing with their many animals.

Norma spent many years as a wonderful caregiver, dedicating her life to the care of her immediate family, and also her father Boyd, her mother Sarah and finally her sister Dorothy until their deaths.

Later in life they were blessed with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren whom they enjoyed immensely. As the years passed Norma carried on her role as caregiver despite her own health issues, taking care of her husband George until she went into the hospital for surgery on March 24th.

Norma left this life and was welcomed into the loving arms of her heavenly father on April 21st. Her daughter was lying at her side as she made a peaceful and well-deserved transition.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Dorothy McKiernan, Elizabeth Byrne, and her great grandson Jesse Andrew Whitecotton.

Norma is survived by her husband of nearly 37 years George R. Hart, brother William Heavner (Virginia) of Manhattan, daughters Connie Foley of Eureka, CA., Susan (Gary) Thompson of LaCenter,WA, Cindi (Fred) Whitecotton of Aurora, CO, Stephanie (Gerry) Glasso of Eugene, OR and son Allen Megaard of Billings. Grandchildren, Heather Hart Tierney of Eureka, CA, Christopher Pomeroy of Aurora, CO, Fredric J. Whitecotton of Aurora, CO., Amber Glasso of Eugene OR, Jason, Joshua and Zachary Thompson of LaCenter, Wa, and Samatha Megaard of Billings. Great Grandchildren Isabelle and Kayleigh Pomeroy of Aurora,CO, Jake and Jordan Tierney of Eureka, CA.

Norma's love and commitment to her family will be missed more than any words could say. Her presence in our lives was a true blessing. Her love and faith guided her through life and all of its trials, and now gives her loved ones comfort.

Special recognition should be given to her son Allen, for his vital role in the care of both his mother and father, and the care of their home. Allen's presence is appreciated by all of his siblings.

Mom, There is no way to thank you enough for all that you've done for us through the years. You always sacrificed without complaining and loved unconditionally, often with little recognition or gratitude. We love you.

A funeral service for Norma will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Billings. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. If you wish to make a gift or donation in Norma's name, her favorite charities are the S.I.D.S Foundation (Sudden Infant Death)- usually found under United Way, or the American Cancer Society.