Norma Margaret (Hunolt) (Gander) Burditt of Edina, Missouri left this world on September 13, 2021. She arrived on November 6, 1923, with what her children assume was a determined attitude and a generous dose of independence. Born in Edina to Joseph A. and Bertha Elizabeth Franz Hunolt, she lived her entire 97 years in Knox County, Missouri, graduating from St. Joseph Catholic High School in the Class of 1941.
Norma valued a strong work ethic and took pride in her lengthy resume that included Bell Telephone, Knox County ASCS Office, and Mark Twain Rural Telephone. She spent many years working as a receptionist in various local insurance agencies and LaBelle Manor following retirement. She ventured into politics in the 1960’s and ran for a local county office losing the office of County Treasurer by only a handful of votes. Norma enjoyed her role as a farmer and cherished her acreage in rural Knox County faithfully tended to by Bryant Farms.
She was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Society, Edina Country Club and Baring Country Club. She enjoyed going to the local Casino and could be ready with short notice. Norma had a bubbly personality, loved to dress up and support her community, and enjoyed all things ‘sparkly’.
On February 16, 1946, Norma married Darrell Gander at St. Joseph’s in Edina and to this union two children were born. In February 1972 Norma married George L. Burditt in Trenton, MO. They enjoyed life together until he passed in 1978. Norma shared 20+ years with her close friend and companion, Ralph House, until he passed in 2011.
Norma is survived by her son, Joe “Rocky” (Donna) Gander of Kirksville, Missouri; her daughter, Janie Mauzy-Bakutes of Columbia, Missouri; a brother, Donald Hunolt of Lewistown, MO; two grandsons, Ryan Mauzy and Brandon Mauzy; great grandson, Gunner Mauzy; along with nephews, Kirby Hunolt and Kerry Hunolt, several cousins and a host of friends. Her dearest friend, Janet Hinds Crank, has been a support to Norma and family for 70+ years and will miss her terribly.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Hortense Hunolt; two sons-in-law, Tom Mauzy and Pete Bakutes; four sisters-in-law, Josie Hunolt, Mary Catherine Hunolt, Dorothy Hunolt, and Nell Hunolt and nephew, Keith Hunolt.
Norma appreciated Edina and Knox County and the wonderful friends and neighbors she had throughout the years. She loved to drive around Edina and enjoyed honking and waving at friends. The family suggests that if you are not comfortable attending the service or being around others due to the Covid nightmare, but you still want to be part of the celebration of life for Norma – please make your presence known by standing, sitting or parking along the route that will be taken from St. Joseph Catholic Church to the Catholic Cemetery. She will know you’re there – honking and waving is encouraged – and it will be a sweet final tribute to a lady who knew how to have a good time.
A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., Thursday September 16, 2021. The family will receive friends on Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Father Rob Fields will officiate and music provided by Brent Karhoff and Carol Fox. Pall Bearers will be Ryan Mauzy, Brandon Mauzy, Gunner Mauzy, Steve Edwards, Kirk Bryant, Rick Hale, Dave Hinds, and Matt Kriegshauser.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Doss Funeral Home in Edina, MO.
An expression of sympathy in memory of Norma may be left to the St. Joseph Catholic Church. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Doss Funeral Home 208 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.