Norma Jean (Crookston) Allen

Norma Jean Crookston Benson Allen entered into the arms of Jesus Christ September 25, 2016.  She was born on October 8, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Her parents were John and Hannah Halverson Crookston Jr.  She married James Moir Benson on September 4, 1946.  They were the parents of Jeanine (Wiebe), Holly (Tarbet), Krehl James, and Clint John.  James (Jim) Benson died August 20, 1984.  She married Glen Michie Allen September 26, 1987.  He died June 7, 1999.

A Memorial Social will be held September 30 at 7 p.m. at the LDS Chapel 913 N. 300 W. Mapleton, Utah.  A graveside service will be held October 1, 2016, 11 a.m. Valley View Cemetery 4335 W. 4100 S. West Valley City, Utah.  Flowers may be sent to Clint Benson residence 448 W. 1200 N. Mapleton, UT.  Noma wanted any donations of money to be sent to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 8474-5000.

Norma was a vivacious, intelligent, charming, beautiful woman.  She was interested in everything, especially the natural sciences.  She could tell you all about bird and animal, geologic formations, fossil, flowers, and plants.  She loved the Native American culture, ancient and modern, and had been given a Hopi name of Talavie (Sun in the morning) by her Hopi friends.  She was an accomplished artist and her oil paintings of landscapes, Native Americans and still lifes are hanging in many homes and schools.  She was loving and kind to all living things animals sensed her love for them and were attracted to her.  She loved cats, especially her last cat Muffit.

She submitted several scientific papers and gave lectures at the Utah Rock Art Research Assoc. Symposium and other venues, and served as president or that organization.  She also served on the Days of 47 Committee for several years and presented original oil paintings of Utah’s State Flower, the Sego Lily, to the LDS Church Prophet, and Governor or Utah.  She served the LDS Church in many callings, her favorite was as greeter in the 7th ward of Mapleton Utah.

She had hundreds of friends whose lives she blessed.  She has a way of making others feel special and important.  The children in her neighborhood loved her and were loved by her.  In her 80’s and 90’s they would often come to her house for a visit, a piece of candy and a hug.

Norma was a world traveler.  She climbed the ruins of Machu Pichu Peru, sailed the Amazon River through the Jungles of Brazil, hiked the glaciers of Alaska, explored the cliff dwellings of the ancient Anasazi’s in the 4 corners region, ate grubs with the Aborigines in Australia, Slept in castles of Spain, walked the Garden of Gethsemane, ate lunch with a Muslim family in Jerusalem, explored the Tombs of the Egyptian Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, visited the crystal factories of the Check Republic, saw the hot pots of New Zealand, and spent many hours hiking the deserts of the Southwest United States.

She had many interests and hobbies in her life.  But her main interest was her family.  She as a devoted mother, always supportive and available to her children, grandchildren and parents.  Her house was beautiful and immaculate.  She was always beautifully groomed.  She had a fun personality, dressed in costume for Halloween and was quick to make a joke or clever comment.  She sang and played lead guitar in a band.  She made her life rich and full.

No one can take her place.  She will be very missed by her family, friends and all who were blessed to know her.