Obituary of Norma Jane Zabransky

Norma Jane Zabransky returned peacefully to her father in Heaven on 12 March 2021 with family by her side. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Jack; daughter Susan Zabransky Ena; son Shane; parents Verda Matheney (LeRoy) and Kenneth Hitesman; brothers Vern and Verl (Cindy) Matheney; sister Joan Townsend (Dwight); grandchildren Cherise Zabransky and Jacob Zabransky, Norma Jane Hitesman was born to Kenneth David Hitesman and Verda LaVeen Backus on 10 July 1930 in Pleasant Grove, Utah and delivered by her grandmother Harriet Backus who was the local mid-wife. In 1934, Norma's mother, Verda, married LeRoy Grant Matheney in Utah. In 1935, they moved to Pendleton, Oregon where she became a big sister to Don, Vern & Verl. The family later moved back to Utah in 1938 where Norma's baby sister, Joan was born. Norma enjoyed growing up and playing with many of her Utah cousins. In 1945, the family moved to Irrigon, Oregon where they bought a restaurant and service station, where Norma met Jack Zabransky while pumping gas. Jack and Norma Zabransky were married 16 February 1948 in Olex, Oregon. Later that year, they welcomed their first daughter, Sandra. Jack worked at a wheat ranch and Norma cooked for the harvest crew while adding to their family, Susan & Stephen. In 1954, Jack and Norma saved enough money to purchase 125 acres in Stanfield, Oregon where Shelley, Scott, Sherri and Shane were born. Jack and Norma's ambition was to grow their farm and family while residing in Stanfield, Oregon. Norma loved a house filled with children, grandchildren and good food. She loved the holidays and family gatherings. She was her grandchildren's greatest fan and enjoyed attending all the kids' activities. There was never a question who her grandchildren were. In her eyes, they could do no wrong and was her best medicine. She is survived by her brother Don Matheney, her children Sandra (Kip), Stephen (Tana), Shelley, Scott, Sherri (Scott), her 27 grandchildren, 82 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. There will be a memorial service for family and friends held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 in Hermiston, Oregon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 850 SW 11th Street at 11am, with a viewing at 10am. Burial to follow at the Stanfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, because of Norma's love of her grandkids and dogs, please donate to the Stanfield-Echo Little League or Humane Society of Eastern Oregon Pet Rescue.