Norma Marie Bentley Tefft, 96

Norma Marie Bentley Tefft, 96, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville.

Norma was born November 22, 1910 at Graves Creek, Idaho, a daughter of John and Pearl Troeh Bentley. She was raised on the Camas Prairie west of Tolo, where she attended country schools. After graduating from Grangeville High School in 1928, she attended Lewiston Business School. Later she returned to Grangeville and worked for the local bank, Irwin Drug, and as a seamstress. In 1934 she married Charles Tefft. They built their home in Grangeville where their four children were born.

Norma was an active member of the Grangeville Christian Church where she taught Sunday school for fifty years. Her hobbies were gardening, handicrafts, and sewing. She was an avid dancer and water sports enthusiast. Senior Citizens, Soroptimist, Neighbors of Woodcraft, and Garden Club were a few of her activities. She enjoyed family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Charles; parents; sister Thelma Simons, and brothers Fred, Robert and Harold Bentley. Norma is survived by her daughters, Shirley Williamson of Boise, Mardell Mitchell of Grangeville, Kathie and Bill Horner of Meridian; her son, John and Karen Tefft of Grangeville; fourteen grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.

Services will be held Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grangeville Christian Church. Pastor Harold Gott will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery. Friends may call Friday, June 29, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Grangeville Christian Church Building Fund.

Those who knew Norma said her secret to longevity was due to her daily walk with the pooch and her poises.

Send condolences to the family at: Blackmerfuneralhome.com.