Norm Best

Norma Jean Best, 80, of Huntly Road in Niles, MI, died Sunday evening at her home, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

She was born August 21, 1932, in Cheboygan, MI, to Richard & Bertha (Lannoo) LaPlaunt, and graduated from Cheboygan High School. She came to Niles in 1953, and was employed at the Simplicity Pattern Company for 40 years before retirement. Norma attended Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. She enjoyed the fellowship of her neighborhood, including monthly dining together; but her greatest joy was her family, who loved and cared for her daily.

In 1954 in South Bend, IN, she married Carl C. Best, who preceded her in death June 11, 1993. She was also preceded by her parents & a brother, William LaPlaunt. Surviving are daughters, Pamela (Rick) Woods, Sharon (Fred) Krueger and Carla (Chris) Linville, all of Niles; grandchildren, Kevin, Troy (Hollie) & Lindsay Krueger, Shelby & Haley Linville, & Jared Woods; step-grandchildren, Amy Archer & Brad Krueger; great-grandchildren, Drew, Blake, Aislinn & Levi; step-great-grandchildren, Chris, Zach, Jake, Emily & Brayden; brothers, Richard LaPlaunt of Rogers City, MI, & Robert LaPlaunt of Alpena, MI; several nieces & nephews.

Norma's family will gather privately on Sunday, Sept. 23rd, with relatives & friends at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles for a reading of the Catholic Funeral Liturgy by Rev. David Otto of Saint Mary Catholic Church. Committal will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association .

---