Norma "Jean" Higdon

Norma “Jean” Higdon, age 82, formerly of Spirit Lake, passed away peacefully September 15, 2015 at Thornton Manor, Lansing. Memorial services were held Thursday, September 17 at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Burial followed at Lakeview Cemetery.
Jean Higdon, the daughter of Elsie (Larson) and Archie Rouse, was born January 10, 1933 in Laurens. She graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1952.
In 1955, Jean was united in marriage to Pat Delaney, and they were later divorced. In June of 1978 she married the love of her life, Lawrence Higdon, and they were united until the time of his passing in 2014. Jean lived in California, Lakefield, MN, Lake Park and Dugger, IN before moving back to Waukon in 2014.
Jean was very talented, she enjoyed wood carving, photography and ceramics. She was very skilled with a sewing machine creating many outfits for dolls. Jean appreciated the beauty of nature, enjoyed traveling and making detailed photo albums of these adventures to share with her family. She also had a love of books and movies.
Jean had a great sense of humor, making those around her smile with her quick wit. She loved animals, she opened her arms and heart to many a stray animal, loving and caring for them all. Most of all, Jean loved her family and was proud of her children and grandchildren, she thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings.
She is survived by her two sons, Joe (Linda) Delaney of Dubuque and Bill (Kelly) Delaney of Waukon; her step-daughter, Tammy (Kenny) Reed of Cornelius, OR; her step-sons, Jeff (Traci) Higdon of Forest Grove, OR and Mike (Deb) Higdon of Beaverton, OR; her grandchildren, Kate and Jack Delaney, Quinton Lewis, Alyssa and Ryan Delaney, Heather Reed, Ryder and Slater Higdon, and Abigail and Haley Carney; her brother, Robert (Joanna) Rouse of Cortez, CO; her sister-in-law, Arlene Rouse of Tennessee; many nieces and nephews; and her dear longtime friend, Marge Ewing of Lansing.
Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Norman; her husband, Larry; and an infant son, Michael.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home of Spirit Lake assisted the family with arrangements.