Norma Dee Austin

NAME Norma Dee Austin, age 75, of Kaneville, passed away at her home surrounded by the love and prayers of her family on Thursday evening, April 22, 2010.BORN: She was born on September 24, 1934 in Mondovi, WI, the daughter of John and Charotte (Goss) Ellingson. EARLY YEARS:Norma grew up in Mondovi and attended local schools. She graduated in 1952. MARRIAGE: Norma found the man she would marry early in life and made sure that he wouldn’t be the "one who got away." Milford Austin won her heart and won her hand as well when they were married on April 15, 1953 in Whitehall, WI. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They began their life together in Wisconsin for a time before moving to St. Charles, IL to continue raising their family that would eventually include four children. In 1990 they moved once more to their present home in Kaneville, IL. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:In addition to raising her family and making their house a home, Norma worked for thirty years for AT&T. LIFE NOTES: Norma lived her life to the fullest making sure that every moment counted. The memories she left told of her compassion and loving nature, her witty sense of humor and her unselfish nature. She was a devoted wife and mother who would do anything for her family and will be remembered for many things, especially her favorite sentiment, "It is what it is." Gone but not forgotten, Norma lives on in the heavens where she will one day be reunited with all who loved her. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Milford Austin, Four children:Linda (Larry) Hudgens of Brownstown, ILMitch (Karen) Austin of Humble, TX,Jeff Austin of Kaneville and Stephanie (Mike) Ritz of DeKalb, IL;Seven grandchildren:Travis (Kristine) Hudgens, Rebecca (Jeff) Boatman, Lori (Dell) Kegley, Teri Johnson, Stephanie Austin, Dustin Ritz and Desiree Ritz;Seven great-grandchildren:Tyler Brown,Austin Monk, Devon Enk, Ayden Boatman, Brycelyn Kegley, Aubrey Hudgens and Myles Austin;Seven siblings:Maylon Ellingson of Strum, WI, Eileen Hardy of Janesville, WI,Betty Binstock of Napa, CA, Ed (Gloria) Ellingson of Clive, IA Her twin brother Neil (Darlene) Ellingson of Fountain City, WI, Gloria Ellingson of Batavia, IL and John (Sandy) Ellingson of Racine, WI;Many nieces, nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED:She is preceded in death by her parents, Charotte and John Ellingson, one sister Avis Nixon and twin daughters, Ruth and Rose who died in infancy. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Monday, April 26, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A service to celebrate her life will be held the following day, Tuesday, April 27, at 10:00 AM, also at the funeral home. Rev. Ernst Rex, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Lily Lake, will officiate with interment to follow at Kaneville Cemetery. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Norma Austin Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Monday, April 26, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A service to celebrate her life will be held the following day, Tuesday, April 27, at 10:00 AM, also at the funeral home. Rev. Ernst Rex, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Lily Lake, will officiate.

Interment to follow at Kaneville Cemetery.