Norma Jean Higdon

Norma "Jean" Higdon, age 82, formerly of Spirit Lake, Iowa passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2015 at Thornton Manor, Lansing, Iowa. A memorial visitation will begin at 10:00am on Thursday, September 17th at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake followed by a graveside service at 11:00am at Lakeview Cemetery. Jean Higdon, the daughter of Elsie (Larson) and Archie Rouse, was born January 10, 1933 in Laurens, Iowa. She graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1952. In 1955, Jean was united in marriage to Pat Delaney, they were later divorced. In June of 1978 she married the love of her life Lawrence Higdon, they were united until the time of his passing in 2014. Jean lived in California, Lakefield, Minnesota, Lake Park, Iowa and Dugger, Indiana before moving back to Waukon, Iowa in 2014. Jean was very talented, she enjoyed wood carving, photography, and ceramics. Jean was very skilled with a sewing machine creating many outfits for dolls. Jean appreciated the beauty of nature, enjoyed traveling and making detailed photo albums of these adventures to share with her family. She also had a love of books and movies. Jean had a great sense of humor, making those around her smile with her quick wit. Jean loved animals, she opened her arms and heart to many a stray animal loving and caring for them all. Most of all Jean loved her family and was proud of her children and grandchildren, she thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings. She is survived by her two sons, Joe (Linda) Delaney of Dubuque, Iowa and Bill (Kelly) Delaney of Waukon, Iowa; step-daughter, Tammy (Kenny) Reed of Cornelius, Oregon; step-sons, Jeff (Traci) Higdon of Forest Grove, Oregon and Mike (Deb) Higdon of Beaverton, Oregon; grandchildren, Kate and Jack Delaney, Quinton Lewis, Alyssa and Ryan Delaney, Heather Reed, Ryder and Slater Higdon and Abigail and Haley Carney, brother Robert (Joanna) Rouse of Cortez, Colorado, sister-in-law Arlene Rouse of Tennessee, many nieces and nephews and her dear longtime friend Marge Ewing of Lansing, Iowa. Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Norman; husband, Larry and infant son, Michael. In lieu of flowers memorial in Norma Jean's name may be sent to: Love and Friendship Adoption Center, Humane Society of NE Iowa, 2345 Millennium RD, Decorah, IA 52101.