Norma Rose Ellen Key

Norma Rose Ellen Key, 85, passed away on May 15, 2015 at Mountain View Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Norma was born May 15, 1930 in Mattoon, Illinois to Elsie Marie and Herman Ray Layton. She had two brothers, Herman and Ted. Norma grew up in Mattoon and graduated from Mattoon High School. She worked at Mid Com Mapping and General Electric while in Illinois. Norma met the love of her life, Charles E. Key, during high school and married him in 1949. Norma and Charles had two children, Steven Ray and Pamela Sue. The family moved to Las Cruces in 1965. Norma worked for Memorial Hospital as the head cashier and later worked for Dr. Roman and then Dr. Crossett as the receptionist and medical biller. Norma had a great love and appreciation for music. She and her brother Ted, often harmonized, singing hymns and country songs with family and friends. Norma was also accomplished on the steel guitar, accordion, and the piano. Norma instilled her love of music in her children. With her encouragement her son learned to love singing and her daughter followed her mother in playing the guitar. Norma and Charles enjoyed camping. After retiring, they traveled extensively in their motor home across North America. In 2008 they moved to the Rock Hound State Park, where they were camp hosts and Norma worked in the Visitor's Center. She loved meeting people and sharing her knowledge of the rocks found in the park. Norma was preceded in death by her brothers, Ted and Herman, her father, Herman Ray, her mother, Elsie Marie, and her grandson, Ronald Key. Left to mourn her passing are her beloved husband of 65 years, Charles E. Key, son Steven (Michele), daughter Pam (Keith), granddaughters, Raychel Key, Stacey Bridges, and Trae Bridges, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Life for Norma will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 4:00 PM at the Getz Funeral Home Chapel. PDF Printable Version