Norma Harrod was born in Ottawa, Kansas, in 1931, She was the daughter of Mae and Steve Ralph. She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1949 and graduated from Ottawa University in 1953 with a degree in Education.
In 1952, she married Vic Harrod, he preceded her in death in 2010. She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Blaine Ralph Harrod.
Norma spent her life as an educator, a career that spanned almost 70 years. Her intense drive to inspire young and old minds alike, took her thru several roles during her career. The majority was spent in the Lawrence community. She served as a speech and drama teacher and was sponsor of Junior Player and director of all school plays at West Junior High. She would then retire from her role as the district director for multimedia for the Lawrence School District. Retirement did not suit Norma, she quickly signed up to teach English as a second language to adults. This resulted in another career of almost 30 years where she met students from all over the world. Norma also served on the Lawrence Park and Recreation Advisory Board in the 60’s. She took great pride in the progress that board made in bringing the first community pool to serve ALL residents. Norma was also a published author in numerous publications.
Norma is survived by her daughter, Laurie Harrod Boyd; son V. Lynn Harrod and his wife Lisa; grandchildren Andrew Boyd and his fiancé Suzanne Stout (Indianapolis), Bree Beasley (Denver), Britt Beasley (Lawrence), and Bailey Salsbury and her husband Matthew (Topeka); five great grandchildren.
There will be a visitation at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 5:00-6:00 PM on Sunday, January 14. The family will celebrate Norma’s life at 10:00 AM Monday, January 15 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral home and meet with friends immediately following the ceremony at the funeral home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.
The family would like to thank the 4th Floor staff at LMH and Pioneer Ridge AL for their sincere and dignified respect towards Norma. The family suggests memorials be sent in care of the funeral home to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Lawrence School Foundation.
Online condolences may be left at www.rumsey-yost.com.
Laurie and Lynn,
Thinking of you two today and remembering your times in KU band. Trips to KState and Birmingham stand out most! Tom loved you two! I knew your mom through teaching at Centennial. She was always ready with a solution to a problem regarding challenges in reaching every student. I will miss her.
My condolences to the family of Norma Harrod. I didn’t get the chance to work closely with her in the Adult Education Center, but I always enjoyed our brief interactions.
Lori and Lynn,
To me as a child who spent a lot of time at your house and in the schools while our mamas were working together– Norma exuded a calm, cool confidence that I envied and always strived for. She was the loveliest combination of everything one could look up to– spoke straight to everyone, had a warmth she let glow, and a no nonsense ease that earned her respect from all. She was brilliant in her ability to treat everyone as just another human being she got to interact with. I never felt like a child around her and that meant the world to me. I (and my family) will miss her.
Coach Harrod,
We are saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
What a force for so many good things was Norma. The many talents she possessed were shared with students and adults alike throughout her life. All who knew her were blessed whenever in her presence because she was such a joy. Norma had a way in bringing out the best in others and taking them to new heights. Her humor and positive approach to a wide range of situations made her an excellent role model for young and old alike. Thoughts are with her family as they grieve the loss of a very significant lady. May you all be filled with happy memories in the days to come.
Lynn,
Our warmest condolences on the loss of your mom. Every time you glance up to the sky, know your mom and dad are smiling down on you.
Hi Lynn,
Your mom was an important mentor to me at West Junior High. Her sage advice peppered with irreverent humor suited me! Her adamant insistence on teaching media literacy should have been set as requirement for graduation. Her spirit lives on. My love to you and your family.
Lynn and Lisa,
We were deeply saddned to learn of Norma’s passing. She was such a blessing to so many. Our family moved to Lawrence in 1984 and opened a small video store. Norma visited us at our store which led us to many conversations about education, technology and it’s potential impact on education, but more importantly, it led us to a long lasting friendship for over 40 years. The paths of our lives lead us into many unexpected connections so it was years later that our son had Norma’s son Lynn as a teacher, coach, and counselor..Lynn and Norma were blessings in our family’s life.
Rest in Peace Norma…your life was a job well done!
The Murphy Family
I miss you, Norma. It was always interesting and fun when we would get together, and that’s because of your wit and keen sense of humor. I love the onery smile that you displayed when you knew the people around you were laughing because of a joke or comment you made. The time we had together is very precious to me. It doesn’t seem right that we will no longer have our get togethers. Teaching was one of your gifts. The English as a second language students enjoyed you and benefited from your interest in their well being. There were so many other teaching experiences that you had throughout your life. Your dedication to teaching spanned most of your life. You are Unforgettable and very cherished.
Lynn, Vickie and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your mom. Norma was a force of nature and a joy to be around. I always appreciated her passion for education and her dedication to students. She will be missed by all who knew her!
I meet her as my speech teacher at West jr High, an was fortunate to know the family thru my life. She was always a inspiration an truly a great teacher.
We were so blessed to have Norma finish her unbelievable career in education with us at Peaslee Tech. Norma, thank you. You inspired us every day.
Dear Laurie, Lynn and Family,
Joe was so privileged to for a time , have lived across the hall from Norma at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living,~And to have gotten to know her there And it was my distinct pleasure to have also met her and spend a bit of precious time with Norma and appreciate her so. And now to remember her so fondly.
I recall meeting some of you “in the hallway” and am thankful also for that. Joe had seen the obituary and told me. We were (and are) so sad I did find the more complete one on the Rumsey-Yost page and shared it with him. I am so pleased that I read what many others have shared here to get to know her more. Joe and I extend to you our condolences and prayers for comfort.
For Lynn and Laurie and all of the members of Norma’s family: Some people are bigger than life. Their forceful personalities just light up a room and challenge our minds. That was Norma. I will always remember her as my direct and lively friend who did not suffer fools but always had a soft spot in her heart for the people who needed her. To have been in her orbit for part of her career is a privilege I will cherish. I bet Norma and Vic are having a long catch-up conversation, remembering their children and their grandchildren with immense joy and pride. I will always remember them both. Good people with generous spirits.
Lynn, I’m so sorry to hear about Norma. I will always remember those Thanksgivings with your family and how much I loved being around her. We worked together, laughed and cried together, and occasionally “got into some good trouble” together. She was a strong, smart, creative woman who will remain in my heart forever.
Laurie Lynn & Family
Please accept our deepest condolences
We all will miss having this beautiful lady amongst us
She was a wonderful Mother a Caring Grandmother and an outstanding colleague
Sharon & JD Cleavinger
My deepest condolences for your family’s loss. My memory of Norma (and Vic) goes back to our time as neighbors on Montana Street. My parents thought so much of both of them then and also as Norma worked later at West where my dad had been principal. I admired Norma for all the energy and presence with which she lived her life.
Wishing your family comfort and strength during this time. I have an empty feeling since Norma has left us. I miss our conversations, her kindness, and her humor. I feel blessed to have called Norma my friend, and I am thankful for the time we spent together. I loved Norma and I will miss her. Peace Be With You. ❤️
My deepest condolences for your family’s loss. My memory of Norma (and Vic) goes back to our time as neighbors on Montana Street. My parents thought so much of both of them as Norma worked later at West where my dad had been principal. I admired Norma for all the energy and presence with which she lived her life.
So sorry for your loss Lynn and Lisa!
Norma was my best friend ever since we met. She lived a block away and her dad took us to school in his car every day
She was always there to give me a helping hand whenever needed. Always ready to play and have fun! Norma was a lifelong friend. I last visited her about six years ago and we relived the many good times we had together
We stayed in touch over the phone mainly to hear each others voices and express our love
She is forever in my heart a memory of love
Lynn-
Sorry for your loss.
I have known Norma most of my life. So sad to hear this news. Laurie, you are in my prayers and always in my heart. Your mom had a big personality and she will be missed.
What a gift to have known her and better to have been related to her!
I’m missing my dear cousin. I miss her thinking, her laughter, her personality and her life as part of my family.
Lynn and family… I am so sorry for your loss. She was an inspiration to me and I loved our visits. She always had time to talk and give advice!!!
Laurie (and fam): I’m so sorry to hear this news. I had every intention to visit her the last time I was in Kansas this fall. You always think there will be another time…As many have said before, her sense of humor was one of my favorite things about her – and she’s one of the few in our family that I related to so well, probably because her laugh is more boisterous than my own. I love you, cousin.
Laurie and Andrew, Lynn and family, Thoughts and prayers to you all. Your mom was such a beautiful soul. My mom (June Eberhart) thought the world of Norma and Vic and so did I. Prayers for you all. Norma and Vic are together.
Lynn, man, I had no idea your mother was so involved in the school district ! Obviously, that passion was passed on. She shared memories with me of early days in Ottawa…and stories of my Uncle Ronnie, who I never had the chance to meet. That was very special. My condolonces to you and your family.
Lynn and Lisa-
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It is hard to lose mom. Hang on to those memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jolene Pearson
Lynn,
So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Norma was a great colleague who was witty, bright, and direct oh and sometimes ornery. My condolences to Lynn and family.
Lynn,
I remember working with your mom when she ran the AV ‘studio’ at Woodlawn School for the district. I remember exchanging ideas with her, especially when I was doing special music projects with my classes. As others have said, she truly was one of kind. Our society could definitely benefit from more Norma Harrods.
Mrs. Harrod was my former Speech Class teacher during my West Jr. High School days…that voice and laughter, I never forget. To this day I still use Mrs. Harrod’s teaching of what to do and what not to do when it comes to public speaking. Rest in peace Mrs. Harrod, and condolences and heartfelt sympathies to her family.
Lynn, our sincere condolences to you and all your family.
Norma was one of a kind. I was fortunate to work with her and also be her neighbor for many years. She made a difference in people’s lives through her dedication, experience, humor, and just being Norma. So sorry for her passing and my condolences to the family.
I will miss her.
Norma was a special human being. She lived a long-good life. I’ll always remember her from my days at Lawrence High School, when I
had her son in my art classes. Pat Nemchock
Hey Lynn
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was always herself and direct which was appreciated by so many. Our numerous interactions and discussions are memorable and impactful over the years. Her laugh, sense of humor impacted all she encountered. Your mom certainly impacted my life.
Oh, Lynn,
I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t think there was a single soul in Lawrence that didn’t love your Mama. I was certainly one of them. That laugh of hers will live in my heart forever. My love to you and your family. Betsy Williams
Extending my sympathy to the family. I worked with Vic for almost ten years and got to Norma quite well. Always enjoyed visiting with her.