Norma J. Orton, 92, died Monday, January 30, 2023, at Sienna Crest Assisted Living facility, Platteville, Wisconsin, with her loving daughter Donna by her side. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and community member.

Norma was born June 21, 1930, in Iowa County, the daughter of Orville and Laura (Baker) Lyght. She was Valedictorian of the Class of 1947 at Livingston High School. Norma was united in marriage to the love of her life, Clinton B. Orton, on September 25, 1948, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She and Clinton farmed until they moved to Platteville in 1980. Norma was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Platteville, worked at the Platteville Thrift Shop for a number of years, and often drove auction cars with Clinton. She enjoyed taking care of family, doing needlework and quilting, as well as solving all kinds of puzzles and watching Game Show Network. She was the world's best cook. The stories of her meals made on the farm were legendary, along with hosting the annual Christmas Eve gathering with her homemade bbq and chili until she was 91. Norma had a strong faith in Family, God and America, and her unconditional love positively impacted many lives. She became Grandma O and Grams to not only all of her grandchildren, but also their extended family and friends.

Norma is survived by her children, Vicky (Duane “Ben”) Suhr, Dennis (Vickie), David (Ramona) and Donna (William) Straka, sisters Marilyn Davies and Joanne (Dick) Rice, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her half-siblings, Terry Lyght, Raymond Lyght, Paula Lyght, and Peggy Steffes. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, grandson Jeffrey Suhr, brothers Clifford and Dick Lyght, and sisters Lois Brunton and Beverly Wackershauser.

Love you more!

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville, Wisconsin. Pastor Jeff Suits will officiate. Burial will be at Rock Church Cemetery, Livingston. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Thank you to the Sienna Crest staff for their loving care of Grams and to the Agrace Hospice staff for the comfort and compassionate care they provided her. The family also wishes to thank Matt Melby and his staff, as well as Pastor Jeff Suits.

Norma Orton

June 21, 1930 - January 30, 2023

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