Norma Beth Kiely

Norma Beth Kiely, 100, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at home with her family after a brief illness.  

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Newcomb Presbyterian Church with visitation being held from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church.  Private burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. 

 Norma Beth Kiely was born in Wilmot, South Dakota on September 16, 1923, the eldest daughter of Russell and Agnes Jorgensen.  At 16 years old she moved to Davenport with her family in search of a better life.  She graduated from Davenport High School in June 1941.  After receiving a degree in accounting from A.I.C. Business College, Norma went to work at Newport, Wine and Schebler. Later she worked for Sierra Vista Arizona Community Hospital, Dohrn Transfer Company, and Watts Trucking.   She retired in 1985.

 Norma was joined in marriage to Forrest Brinkley Harris in 1941, together they had six children.  Forrest died in 1963.  She later married Richard Clyde Kiely in 1974, expanding the family with three more children.  Richard died in 2005.

 Norma joined Newcomb Presbyterian Church in 1977. She had been a very active part of the church through the years. She served as an Elder as well as two terms on the board of Deacons.  Norma was part of the Ruth Circle, Newcomb Friends, Golden Age Luncheons, Crafts & Things, and also helped with Kids Klub and Vacation Bible School, Red Hat Lady, Card Club, and Birthday Breakfast Club.

 In her spare time Norma enjoyed needlepoint, counted cross stitch, reading, and crossword puzzles.  In her later years she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles.  On her 95^th birthday she fulfilled a wish from her bucket list when her family chartered a bus to Wrigley Field so she could attend her first Cubs Game.

 Norma celebrated her 100^th birthday on September 16, 2023. She was honored at a special celebration given by her family and attended by hundreds of family and friends.

 Surviving are her sons John Harris, Richard (Connie) Harris, Joseph Kiely; daughters Patricia Reynolds, and Sherri (Gale) Brown; grandchildren Theresa, Laura, Mary, Susie, Forrest, Anne, Mark, Jim, Bobi, Kim, Chico, Jesse John, Angela, Jessica, Terah, Seth, Brandon, Katie, Sarah, Erik, and Sara; 43 great grandchildren; and 59 great great grandchildren.

 Preceding Norma in death are husbands Forrest Harris and Richard Kiely; children Ted Harris, David Harris, Carol Thurston, and Rick Kiely; daughter-in-law Mary Harris; son-in-law Steve Reynolds; grandson Michael Thurston; sister Dorothy Porter, and brother Willard Jorgensen.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Norma’s memory to Newcomb Presbyterian Church, 2619 N. Division St, Davenport, IA 52804 or to Heartland Hospice, 4340 E. 53^rd St, Davenport, IA  52807.