Norma Charlene Russell Whitten, 86, of Bovina peacefully passed and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 2, 2020, in Amarillo, Texas. Viewing will be held from 9:00 A.M to 8:00 PM Thursday, June 4, 2020 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home with family visitation from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Celebration of Life Graveside Services will be held 10:30 AM Friday, June 5, 2020 at the Bovina Cemetery with Steve Friskup of Muleshoe officiating. Burial following by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

Norma was born on September 9, 1933, in Miami, Texas, to Charley B. and Allene Coffee Russell. She attended school in Miami until her junior year of high school when she and her family moved to a farm south of Claude in Armstrong County. She graduated from Claude High School in May 1951. She then attended West Texas State College, now West Texas State A&M, in Canyon, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education.

Norma married Earl F. Whitten of Carey, Texas, on November 11, 1954, in Claude. In 1965, they were blessed with their only son, Bret. They made their home in Amarillo until 1966 when they moved to Bovina. She would spend the next 54 years in Bovina, serving the community she loved in many capacities. She served on the Bovina School Board for 12 years and was President for several years. She also served the district as a substitute teacher and was a Club Scout Den Mother. She was active in her church, helping with VBS for many years. She emceed pageants and other civic activities and was active in the Women's Study Club for many years. Norma was honored by this community in 1974 as "Woman of the Year."

She loved being outside and had one of the most beautiful yards and flower gardens in town. She also loved to sew and enjoyed making her family member outfits and blankets.

To many she was Norma. To others she was Mrs. Whitten. But to those she loved so dearly she was Mom, Maka, and Nannie. Her love for and impact on her family will always be a presence, influencing generations to come. She will also be remembered for her strength through numerous health trials, including being a twice-survivor of breast cancer.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Kay Hungate and her husband Larry Hungate.

She is survived by her husband of over 65 years, Earl, and her son, Dr. Bret Whitten and wife Sherri of Bovina; three grandchildren, Megan Whitten Taylor and husband Jared of Canyon; Colby Whitten of Farwell, and Chloee Whitten of Bovina; and a precious great-grandson Kyler Taylor of Canyon. She also had a host of nieces and nephews and a very special friend/caregiver, Debbie Smith, whom she loved very much.

The family requests memorials be made to Parmer Medical Center, 1307 Cleveland St, Friona, TX 79035; Prairie Acres Nursing Home / Heritage Assistant Living Estates, 201 E 15 ^th St, Friona, TX 79035.

You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guestbook at: www.hansardfamily.com