Norma Fraser-Smith, 88, of Concordia died Sunday afternoon, Feb. 1, in Olathe KS at Pinnacle Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she had been a resident since 2006.

Norma was born in Concordia on April 12, 1926 to parents Frank Sr. and Emma Empson. She grew up in Republic County in the area of Wayne KS. Norma graduated from Agenda Rural High School in the Class of 1944.

Norma married Louis "Louie" Fraser on Nov. 15, 1950. They farmed near Hollis until they sold the farm implements and moved to Concordia due to Louie's ill health in the early 1970s. Norma was active in the livestock and field work on the farm. She was a gifted seamstress and cook. Norma's glazed donuts, breads and meringue pies were favorites with her family and friends. Norma and Louie raised their three children, Sharrid, Tom and Loretta, on the farm near Hollis.

Norma moved to Golden, CO after Louie passed in 1975. She was married to Archie "John" Smith on Oct. 13, 1977 in Golden, CO. Norma enjoyed an active life in Golden as a home healthcare nurse with the added blessings of grandchildren. She and John enjoyed Colorado Mountain retreats at a small cabin in Steamboat Springs, CO where John enjoyed trout fishing and Norma pursued her interests in cooking and canning. Her family was treated to fresh canned Colorado peaches, smoked trout and delicious breads from Norma during those years. Norma and John retired in Concordia in the 1980s. Norma resided in Concordia after John's death in 1990 until she relocated to Olathe in 2000.

Norma is survived by her children, Sharrid and husband Dale Girard of Olathe, Tom Fraser of Topeka, and Loretta and husband Steve Townsend of Aurora. She is survived by six grandchildren: Heath Girard of Olathe, Nathan Girard of Topeka, Aaron Girard of Denver, CO, Renee Laster of Olathe, Kristina Jeardoe and Joni Bolla of Pearland, TX. Norma is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Frank Jr. "Bud" Empson and her infant grandson Trent Girard.

A memorial service for Norma will be held at Pinnacle Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Olathe. The date and time will be announced.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Sat, Feb. 7, 2015 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia with Rev. Brian Lager officiating. Burial will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Wayne, KS. Visitation will be from 9am-9pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm, Fri, Feb. 6 all at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Catholic Charities in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.