Norma Jean Deaton Haslam

Norma Jean Deaton Haslam, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, peacefully returned to her heavenly home on October 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Norma was born on February 24, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Merrill Marriner Deaton and Laura Stanbridge. Her mother passed away when Norma was just five years old, and she moved with her father to Weston, Idaho. She spent her growing-up years between Weston, Salt Lake City, and Salina, Utah, and especially cherished the summers she spent with her Uncle Albert and Aunt Naomi Stanbridge.

Norma attended elementary school through eighth grade in Weston and high school in Salina, where she enjoyed many activities and friendships. She played the drums in the school band, was a member of the pep club, and was a flag twirler for the marching band. She was also crowned queen of the Gold and Green Ball and was honored to march in the 1947 Days of '47 Parade celebrating the 100th anniversary of the pioneers' arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. Following high school, Norma returned to Salt Lake City to live with Albert and Naomi Stanbridge, whom she dearly loved, while attending Excelis Beauty School. She excelled in cosmetology and won a trophy in a hairstyling competition. She put those talents to good use throughout her life, especially with her children. Norma always took pride in looking her best, and her hair was never out of place. We often joked that she was the only woman who could go swimming in Lake Powell and come out with every hair perfectly in place!

Norma married her sweetheart and eternal companion, David Jeremy Haslam, Jr., on May 17, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love, raising six children whom they loved and cherished. Being a wife and mother was Norma's greatest joy, and she gave her whole heart to her family. She was endlessly patient, hardworking, and devoted, always putting the needs of others before her own. During the years Dave served as bishop, attended school, and worked nights, Norma carried much of the responsibility of raising their busy family. She taught her children the value of hard work, the importance of doing things well, and, most importantly, how to love and care for others through her daily example.

Norma worked tirelessly to make their home a place of warmth and security. For many years she washed clothes with a hand wringer and hung them out to dry, sewed much of her daughters' clothing, and carefully stretched the family budget. She was a wonderful cook and believed every day should begin with a hot breakfast. Even when she wasn't feeling well, she would get up, take care of everyone, and only then return to bed to rest. Her family always came first, and she showed her love through countless quiet acts of service.

Norma and Dave were devoted to keeping their family close and creating memories together. They purchased a boat so they could spend time as a family, and although Norma never particularly enjoyed the water or camping, she willingly set aside her own comfort to be part of those adventures. She understood that the time spent together was what mattered most. She loved holidays and family gatherings and found joy in bringing everyone together. One of her special traditions was creating an annual "Family Fun Day" on July 14, Dave's birthday, as a way to remember him, celebrate their family, and strengthen the ties that meant so much to her.

Norma was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a deep love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in many Church callings, including Primary, Young Women, ward and stake Relief Society presidencies, and as a hostess in the General Relief Society Building. She had a strong testimony of the gospel and taught her children to love and trust their Heavenly Father and Savior through her words and Christlike example.

Norma had a remarkable gift for understanding people and knowing when someone needed her. Her patience seemed limitless, and she had an extraordinary ability to listen, offer wise counsel, and make others feel genuinely loved. She was compassionate, humble, kind, and merciful, with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor that brought smiles to those around her. She had a special way of seeing the good in others and quietly finding ways to help. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of countless friends and all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Norma never felt she had accomplished anything particularly remarkable, but those who knew and loved her would certainly disagree. Her greatest accomplishments were found in the lives she nurtured, the family she cherished, the faith she lived, and the love she so freely gave. She often expressed her deepest desire for her family in a simple prayer: "I am grateful for our family—each and every one. I love each one deeply. I hope that each will live worthy to be an eternal family. I pray each one will get on the path and stay on the path."

That prayer beautifully reflects the life Norma lived and the legacy she leaves behind. She taught us what it means to love unconditionally, to serve without expecting recognition, and to trust in Heavenly Father through every season of life. We will miss her gentle ways, her wisdom, her humor, and the comforting assurance that she was always there for us. We are forever grateful that she was ours, and we rejoice in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Dave, her mother Laura, and her “second parents” Naomi and Albert Stanbridge (Grandma and Grandpa Butch), as well as other loved ones.

Norma was preceded in death by her eternal companion, David Jeremy Haslam, Jr., and her parents. She is survived by her six devoted children: Kathy (Tom), Colleen, Debbie (Dan), Steve (Sue), Mike (Charla) and Sandi (Paul); 39 beloved grandchildren; 51 precious great-grandchildren; her brothers, Merrill (Terri-deceased), Jarvis (Evadene), and Earl Stanbridge (her brother from another mother).

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bountiful 45th Ward, 115 East Wicker Lane, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the same location. Interment will be at Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary and Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary page. See YouTube video below.