Norma L. Berry

“Sew Much Love: The Life and Legacy of Norma Berry”

Norma L. Berry, 96, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City. Born on April 13, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, Norma was the daughter of George and Theresa Cabiness. She lived a life filled with quiet grace, unmatched creativity, unwavering faith, and just the right amount of sass.

Norma grew up on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, where she graduated from high school. On August 1, 1947, she married the love of her life, Arthur B. “Art” Berry, Jr. Together, they moved to Armourdale, Kansas, where they raised their three children. Norma was a dedicated homemaker, ensuring her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love—leaving a legacy that would ripple through generations.

After raising their family, Norma and Art retired to Sunrise Beach at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they spent their golden years surrounded by an abundance of friends, family, and water activities. Their lake home became a hub for countless gatherings filled with laughter, games, and celebrations that will remain cherished memories for generations.

Norma’s legendary craft room was the stuff of family folklore—a sanctuary filled with sewing machines, beads, ribbons, and every piece of fabric imaginable. She spent countless hours in her beloved craft room, creating everything from scrapbooks to hand-sewn clothing and painted crafts. If you needed it, Norma had it. And if she didn’t have it, she’d find a way to make it—or politely suggest that you probably didn’t need it in the first place. Her creativity knew no bounds, and she loved making things that brought joy to others. Some of her most cherished pieces included hand-sewn labels reading, “Made by Grandma.”

Norma and Art were dedicated members of Longview Chapel Christian Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where they were deeply involved in the church community throughout the years.

Norma was also a devoted fan of Wheel of Fortune and never missed an opportunity to yell out the answers—usually well before the contestants did. We’d like to think she’s now solving puzzles in the great beyond, perhaps laughing at anyone who hesitates too long, or playfully declaring the right answer with a triumphant smile. Maybe she’s even spinning the wheel herself, hoping for big winnings in the afterlife.

Even as her health declined, Norma’s sharp wit never missed a beat. One of her last—and perhaps most typical—jokes was aimed at her great-granddaughter Skyler’s trendy “fashion hole” jeans. With a mischievous grin, Norma would ask, “Do you need me to loan you some money to buy jeans without holes?” And if that didn’t land, she’d double down with, “Those things need to go straight to the dump!” It was classic Norma—sharp, funny, and always delivered with a twinkle in her eye. Even in her final months, she reminded everyone that humor was her favorite accessory, right alongside a good dose of pink.

Norma was especially proud to cast her vote in the last election. She filled out her mail-in ballot with care, proudly wearing her Trump hat as she made her choices. Her excitement to participate in democracy reflected her belief in standing by one’s values—and doing so with confidence.

As Norma joins her beloved husband Art in heaven, we imagine their reunion was joyful and full of love. And no doubt waiting to greet her was her daughter Judy, singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a song that Judy loved and one that perfectly captures the peace Norma now finds. We’re sure it was a duet that echoed through the heavens, bringing comfort to all who listened.

She is survived by her children, Michael (and Pamela) Berry of Kansas City, Kansas, and Karen S. Turner of Punta Gorda, Florida; six grandchildren, Brian C. (and Cassandra) Berry of Kansas City, Kansas, Kevin (and Nicole) Turner of Peculiar, Missouri, Kelly (and Steven) Shumway-Anderson of Cave Creek, Arizona, Matthew (and Stephanie) Hopper of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Angela Uredi of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Brandon Murray of Kansas City, Missouri. Her legacy lives on in her fourteen great-grandchildren: Brian Michael Berry, Korbin Turner, Dakotah Turner, Kellsey Hefner, Jacob Shumway, Skyler Shumway, Orian Hopper, Onyx Hopper, Madilyn Walter, Lilly Uredi, Conner Uredi, Theia Murray, and Killian Murray.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Art, and her cherished daughter Judith Murray.

Graveside services were held at Friday, January 10, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  Norma will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Gottman Institute (www.gottman.com), an organization that helps families build stronger relationships through empathy and communication. Donations made in Norma’s honor will help support emotional wellness and healthier connections for future generations.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Gloria Mills, her dedicated caregiver, who surely deserves a medal for her patience.

Norma’s legacy is one of love and creativity. She taught her family the importance of laughter, faith, and family traditions—and the art of never leaving the house without a touch of pink.

Her family takes comfort knowing that the craft room in heaven is stocked, the puzzles are solved, and the laughter continues.

To our dear Norma: You may be out of sight, but you’ll never be out of our hearts—or out of the fabric of our lives.