Norma Whiteley (99 years) of Odessa, passed away in the early hours of the morning on September 11, 2026, in Odessa. She was at home surrounded by her family.

Norma (Mom) was born in Axtell Kansas to Dr. Henry William Roeder and Mary Louise "Mayme" Koblitz Roeder. She graduated college at St. Mary's Catholic College in Leavenworth, Kansas with a major in English and a minor in French. She married T. M. "Whitey" Whiteley on November

3rd, 1951. She held multiple positions throughout her life, most of them helping others. Her first job that she was so proud of was being secretary to Larry Ryan, Secretary of State of Kansas. Other jobs were with Pantex, a U.S. facility involving nuclear weapons, and then later with the Girl Scouts of the USA. Finally, her last positions held were with the State of Texas, first in Child Protective Services, and just prior to retirement, in the Aged, Blind, and Disabled division. Norma (Mom) was always willing to help others. One year while celebrating Thanksgiving, we remember taking plates of food to several of her clients.

Norma (Mom) is preceded in death by: Her spouse of 59 years: Whitey, Her Daughter: Eva Marie Poole, & Her Daughter: Sherry Ricco. She is survived by: Her Children: Barbie Mousa and spouse Jack Mousa, & Theresa Young; Her Grandchildren: Jessica Whiteley, Jessica Spencer, her spouse Chris, her children Ellie, Matthew, Nicholas, & Joshua, Joey Ricco, his spouse Anjelica, Brian Whiteley, Morgan Young-Branch, & her spouse Alex.

Mother was a devout Catholic and her faith was unwavering, as was her love for her family. She was a tender and loving Nana. Her consistent care of our father bought us many years, for which we are forever grateful. Mom's roast "roastie" was the best, and anyone who tasted her baked beans knew they were legendary! We all remember from an early age her correcting our pronunciation. Asking for the spelling of a word resulted in being directed to the six-inch-thick dictionary in the hallway. Many a time, we spent looking at other words as welt learning more. That was probably her plan.

Jack made certain that mom was well stocked in her favorite Hershey's chocolates, and she just could not wake up without her French vanilla cappuccino. She loved Cary Grant movies, most especially "Father Goose." She had a great sense of humor. Once mom asked me (Barbie) to put a bumper sticker on her car. I asked her where she wanted it placed. She asked me to put it over the scratch and dint on her back bumper, sort of a makeshift band-aid. Mom enjoyed going to Red Lobster with me (Theresa) and having her favorite, coconut shrimp. We also shared a piece of key lime pie, and she always moved it closer to her! She enjoyed lively banter with Morgan over coke floats, while watching old movies. At 94 years, she even had the spunk to make the trip to Costa Rica with Jack & Barbie. Mom loved sitting on the back balcony, drinking her coffee, and watching the waves roll in! Jessica S. remembers the last couple of years spent writing letters to her Nana, making bread with her, and hearing her tell stories about her mom making bread when she was young. Jessica W. remembers that her Nana took her to the library every summer to pick out books and attend read-a-thens when she was growing up. Brian enjoyed watching 'I Love Lucy' reruns and laughing along with her. Joey remembers bringing his cousin from Italy, Maria Rita, to Texas to visit his family. He enjoyed playing dominos with his Nana.

A rosary for her will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday September 17, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in the Chapel.

Her funeral will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday September 18, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Interment in the Columbarium at St. Elizabeth's following the Funeral Mass.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to her doctor, Dr. Stephanie Kubacak & staff and all the staff with Home Hospice, most especially her special nurse, Nora.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home Hospice of Odessa or a charity of your choice.