Norma Myrtle Gabbard, 93, of Fayetteville, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.  She was born in Hazel Valley, Arkansas on August 12, 1930 to James and Myrtle Shackelford Skelton.  When Norma was still quite young, her mother became very ill and the responsibility of raising Norma was taken on by her older sister Hazel and her brother Harold.  Later in life, Norma would be like a big sister to her nieces, Donna Parrish and Sharol Skelton.

The family continued to live in the beautiful mountains and valleys of Arkansas. They lived on a river and every time it rained hard the creeks rose. Norma's dad, Jim, would have to cut down a tree so they could cross the swollen creeks to get to the store and school. Despite the flooding, Norma loved the family home until one year the river finally washed out their two-story rock house.  The post office was located in their rock house but they were forced to move due to the flooding.

Norma attended Hazel Valley School through the eighth grade.  She married Noah Gabbard in 1947. After moving to Fayetteville in 1948, she enjoyed raising her two boys and keeping up with her large extended family.  Even though the family was growing in number, they still managed to have at least one family reunion every year hosted by different family members each time.  Aunts, Uncles and cousins from all over the country would make their way back to Arkansas to enjoy home-cooked meals spread out on long tables in homes, community buildings, or just on the lawn under shade trees!
In 1956, Norma attended LPN school and subsequently was employed by the surgical group of Murry and Wood where she continued to work until retirement in 1997.  At 13 years old Norma chose to accept God's free gift of salvation; she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Fayetteville where she loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. She has now entered into Heaven to be with him for eternity!

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her oldest son, Carl Dean Gabbard; siblings, Doran Skelton (Ruby), Doris Cooper (Claude), Nola Cress, Ruby Shade, Harold Skelton (Rose), Bernice Dean, Hazel Parrish Bozeman, James Skelton (Mary), and Paul Gene Skelton (stillborn).

She is survived by son, Ron Avery Gabbard (Susan); grandchildren, Chad Gabbard, Cher Masters (Chris), Marcy Gebert (Brett), Jeff Gabbard (Al), Amy Francis (Doug) and Brian Gabbard (Brittney); great grandchildren, Connor Gabbard (Brittney), Colin Gabbard, Trista Gabbard, Henley Masters, Abby Masters, Breseis Gebert, Adeleigh Gebert, Tristan Gebert, Samuel Gebert, Lucy Gabbard, Henry Gabbard, Elvis Gabbard, Charlotte Francis, Piper Francis, Benaiah Francis, Kelcye Gabbard, Kyler Gabbard, Chayton Gabbard, and Jessamie Gabbard;  numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 29th at Mission Blvd Baptist Church 2006 Mission Blvd in Fayetteville with brother Doug Francis officiating.  Burial will follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Fayetteville.  Arrangements are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home (479)751-2444.