Norma Pittack

Norma Ione Pittack was born on March 17, 1919, on a farm in Plainview, Nebraska to Weaver and Mary Larson. As the youngest of 7 sisters, she had fond memories growing up on the farm. She met Harold Pittack at a barn dance just outside of Plainview. While working in DC for the government, “Hap” mailed an engagement ring to the one room schoolhouse where Norma taught school. Norma never forgot tucking the package away until noon when she could open it privately while the children played outside. They were married on June 30, 1941.

After their wedding, Norma moved to DC to live with Hap until he was sent overseas during WWII. While Hap was away, Norma traveled across the country to live in Santa Monica, CA where she worked at General Telephone Company as plant accountant from 1942 to 1943. After Hap's return, she moved back to DC for a short while to rejoin her husband before they moved to Winston Salem, NC.

In 1946 the couple returned to their home state of NE where they welcomed their children Van and Rita into the world. After living in Omaha for several years, they moved back to their hometown of Plainview, NE where Norma devotedly cared for her family. She stayed busy with the Women's Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, her church, and raising her children. Hap and Norma moved to Billings, MT in 1971, where they enjoyed living close to their son Van and his family. Norma joined a newcomer's club and took a part time job at Hart Albins department store. Norma and Hap spent many happy years in Montana developing lifelong friends through the Elks club, playing bridge, and pinochle.

In 1985, Hap and Norma officially began wintering at their second home in Surprise, AZ where they were also close to family and friends. Sadly, Hap passed away in 1994. Norma's resilience and love for her family gave her the strength to carry on and enjoy her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends to the fullest. Norma continued to fly “South” for the winter until she was 99 years old. In 2012, she moved into Mission Ridge in Billings where she enjoyed playing bridge and making new friends.

On the morning of November 9, 2022, Norma Ione Pittack passed away peacefully with her family beside her. Norma lived her 103 “and a half” years (as she would say) to the fullest with a grace and beauty rarely seen. Her kindness and positive outlook on life were an inspiration to all who had the privilege to have known her. The love that Norma displayed for her family was only matched by the love they had for her in return. She will be lovingly remembered and never forgotten. To have known her was truly a gift.

Norma is survived by son Van Pittack and his wife Cheryle (Gustman), granddaughter Michelle Pittack-Krause (Ben) and great-granddaughter Ali, granddaughter Sarah Wise (Jason) and great-grandsons Chase and Bo, daughter Rita Zitek and husband Steve, grandson Greg Zitek (Laura), great-grandson Ben, granddaughter Emily Zitek and great-granddaughters Avery and Riley, sister-in-law Sharalyn “Toots” Johnson and many nieces and nephews.