Norma Arlene Thompson, of Boonville, NY, passed on December 29, 2014, at Regional Senior Center, Custer, SD, following a period of illness. Norma was born on Feb. 21, 1933 in Parker, SD, the daughter of Gerald "Jerry" Hammond and Dorothy Mae (Barber) Hammond. She was raised in Parker.

In 1954, while babysitting for family friends in Mitchell, SD, she met the brother of that family, a young sailor home on leave. Norma married that young man, Lyle Thompson, shortly afterwards, and this marriage would last almost 60 years until Lyle's passing in February 2014.

Together, Norma and Lyle traveled the United States and several far-east areas as a military family. Their last duty station before retiring from the service was at Griffiss Air Force Base in upstate New York. They fell in love with the area and planned to return; however, went to St. Charles, IL, until that time. While there, Norma worked for an electronic manufacturing company, Accutronics, Inc., Genevea, IL, Respiratory Therapy Services, St. Charles, IL, and was a licensed real estate agent.

In 1986, Lyle and Norma returned to the upstate New York area, settling on Boonville Rd (formerly Moose River Road) in the Adirondacks outside Boonville. Norma was co-owner of the popular natural foods store "For Goodness Sake" along with daughter Vickie for 20 years before finally retiring to their "camp" in the Adirondacks.

Norma enjoyed many activities including bowling and ceramics; she was an avid gardener, herbalist, nature lover, baker, a talented artist, a healer and respected elder. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time visiting with family and friends, as well as the many customers that shopped at For Goodness Sake. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren when they would come to New York for the summers to visit.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle, her parents, brothers, Francis "Frank", Gene, and sister, Marilynn.

She is survived by a brother, Kenneth (Anita) Hammond of Golden CO; her children, Douglas (Pam) Moffett of Bakersfield, CA; Vickie Thompson of Pringle, SD; Alan (Michele) Thompson of Rapid City, SD; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 12496 Bighorn Run Road, Pringle, SD. Interment will be for Norma and her husband, Lyle Thompson, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2015, at the Black Hills National Cemetery, near Sturgis, SD, with Rev Sharee Johnson officiating. Military honors for Lyle will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Sturgis Honor Guards.