Norma McClintic

Norma McClintic, age 75, unexpectedly, but peacefully, passed away early in the morning Saturday, June 18th, 2022 at Methodist Hospital in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by family.

Norma was born on July 24th, 1946 and adopted by her mother and father, John “Jack” McCall and Zelda McCall, in Des Moines, Iowa. A graduate of East High School Class of 1966, Norma married her High School sweetheart, the late Wilbur “Willie” McClintic Jr. on June 25th, 1966. Shortly after they married, they became parents. Norma made a wonderful mother to her three children, Janice, John, and Jenn. Along with being a devoted mother, she also was a generous sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched all of the lives around her.

Norma dedicated her life to helping those she loved, and those in need. Wilbur was the treasurer of the Des Moines Postal Bowling League at Plaza Lanes in Des Moines, IA and Norma was very involved with the league, helping Willie with his treasurer duties, continuing after his passing in 1995. She also served her community as an ESL tutor for Laotian refugees in the 70s and 80s, and started her career in healthcare around the 80s as a volunteer. She became a certified nurse’s aide/certified medication aide, working at various senior assisted living facilities in the Des Moines area, a career that lasted for 25+ years. Even after she ended her career in healthcare, she gave herself to serving others by helping those in need, volunteering, and advocating for those around her.

Norma worked with her daughter to crochet sleeping mats for the homeless that repurposed used plastic bags. She also enjoyed crocheting blankets for her family. A lover of nature, Norma enjoyed bird and squirrel watching, spending time outside with her family, fishing, gardening delicious tomatoes, and camping. Norma also enjoyed bowling, and was part of a woman’s league and a couples league with her husband, Willie. An avid music lover, she enjoyed listening to Elvis, Ozzy Osborne, Metallica, and many others. You could always find her any other time watching wrestling, NASCAR, or cheering on American Ninja Warriors.

In the last few years, Norma lived with her eldest daughter and son-in-law. She loved karaoke nights at home, shopping days, and trying new restaurants., but nothing ever beat her favourite spot, Papa Kerns. She went to 4 Mile and Norwoodville Senior Center Programs, and enjoyed spending time with her new friends over lunch, bingo and other activities. She was devoted to her beloved dog, Payton, who is now at rest with her.

Norma will be lovingly remembered by her children, Janice (Robert) O'Brien, John (Kathleen) McClintic, and Jenn (John) Zepp; her grandchildren, Jeffery (Corrie) O'Brien, Kassandra (Cody) Renea Armstrong, Maria O'Brien, Jasmine McClintic, and Skyler (Rebecca) McClintic; her siblings Jackaline Wathne, Joe (Mary) McCall, Vera McCall, and Janet Weeks; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Zelda McCall; her husband, of 29 years, Willie McClintic Jr.; his parents Wilbur and Alice McClintic; and his siblings, David McClintic, J. Mark McClintic, and Roberta (Ziebell) Franklin.

There will be a Graveside Burial Service that the family asks friends,  families, and members of the community who knew Norma to attend on Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 at 1:00pm at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The service will be led by Norma’s family, with opportunity for any attendees to say a few words. An intimate visitation for the family will be held privately.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, and announced when plans are made, in order to honor Norma’s life and memory.

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