Norma L. Matson, 96, of Van Orin, passed away July 16, 2021 at St. Margaret's Hospital, Spring Valley.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at Van Orin Gospel Church, Van Orin with Rev. William Haas officiating. Burial will be in Van Orin Repose Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services in the church. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Norma was born on April 14, 1925 in Van Orin, Illinois. Norma Lee (Damon) Matson was the daughter of Clarence and Helen (Kerr) Damon. Norma was united in marriage to Lee Matson on June 19, 1945 in Princeton, Illinois. He preceded her in death in 2010.

She worked at Perry Memorial Hospital where she was the histologist in the lab. She was a member of Eastern Star. Norma was a member of the Van Orin Gospel Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School, and was involved in the Ladies Auxiliary. She volunteered at Kids' Klub, Inc. Norma spent her time reading books, doing crossword puzzles, and playing games especially Rummikub. She was happiest when she was cutting out pictures for Kid's Klub, for the bulletin boards, and laminated teaching aids. Norma will always be remembered for her contagious smile and playful nature. She loved spending time with her family and friends from the past, as well as making new friends.

She is survived by her four daughters Judy (Edward) Totten of Rockford, Illinois, Catherine (John) Cross of Mendota, Illinois, Rebecca (Charles) Ultch of LaMoille, Illinois, and Susan of St. Charles, Illinois; nine grandchildren Adam Cross, Melissa (Neil) Johnson, Jeff (Maria) Totten, Jason Totten, Jennifer (Joe) Marsiglio, Brenda (Dustin) Walzer, Nathan (Janelle) Ultch, Miranda Fencl, and Marissa Fencl; thirteen great grandchildren Isaac Totten, Judah Totten, Aloshia Cross, Emerson Cross, Chiron Cross, Levi Johnson, Quinn Johnson, Lauren Marsiglio, Ryan Marsiglio, Graham Walzer, Olivia Ultch, Ava Ultch and Emma Ultch and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Leon, her sister Lila Stone and her infant son Dennis.

Donations can be made to Van Orin Gospel Church, Kids' Klub Inc., or Graves-Hume Library, Mendota.