Norma Ireland, 92, previously of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Monday afternoon, August 16, 2021, at Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan.

Born April 23, 1929, near New Salem, Kansas, she was the daughter of Glen and Eunice (Bennett) Rising. She was raised in rural Winfield and Burden and at the age of 15, she moved to Winfield and rented a house with two other girls so that she could attend Winfield High School. She graduated in 1947. While in high school, Norma worked at Armours Creamery & Restaurant.

Norma was united in marriage to Billy Eugene Ireland on March 19, 1950, in Winfield. Norma worked a short time at Binney & Smith. She then became a homemaker and stayed home with the couple's children. Later, Norma went to work as a clerk at Bird's Rexall Drug Store and then drove the senior citizens shuttle bus for the Winfield Council on Aging. She retired from Winfield Council on Aging. Norma and Billy divorced in 1990 and remained great friends.

Norma was a longtime member of Millington Street Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed going on walks at Island Park. She lived for her family and God. She was a very even-tempered woman. When she went to the nursing home in Sedan, she became the bingo queen and was a social butterfly.

Norma's family includes her children, Kevin Ireland and wife, Leslie of Topeka; Marty Ireland of Okeene, OK; Kelle Ireland Haden of Cedar Vale; her grandchildren, Traci (Jim) Lee, Jenni Ireland (Kent Wilson), Buck Ireland, Weston Ireland, Mollye (Cody) Ireland Vincent, Raina Ireland, Oliver Darby (Mary) Ireland, Connor Ireland, Jarvis Haden, Kinlee Haden; and her great grandchildren, Hayden, Case, Varick, Liliana, Kutter, Pake, Marty, Bronc, and Billy.

In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by two sons, Kirk Rising and Billy Steven, a granddaughter Hilary Crow, and her siblings, Charles Rising, Glenice Rising, and Roger Rising.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. at Highland Cemetery under the direction of Miles Funeral Service.

A memorial has been established in Norma's name for Harry Hynes Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.