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Norma Jean Duvall Mitchel

August 30, 1937 - May 9, 2017

Norma Jean Duvall Mitchell, 79, of Altoona, passed away Tuesday, May 9. She was born August 30, 1937 to Virgil and Mary Pearson Harrison. Norma had three children from her first marriage to Robert Duvall, Sr.; Robert Duvall, Jr. (Elaine) of Cedar Rapids; Kim Graeve (Doug) of Westminster, CO; and Ted Duvall of Altoona. Norma later married Edward Mitchell of Ankeny. She had 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Norma is survived by her sister; Betty Ann Perry of Altoona; sisters-in-law; Mae Harrison of Bennington, OK, and Barbara Duvall of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Robert Duvall, Jr., and husband Ed Mitchell.

Norma graduated from Altoona High School in 1955. She married Robert Duvall, Sr. that same year. Norma was a wife and homemaker for many years while her children were in school. Later, she worked for Polk County Administration as a Clerical Assistant and had accounting responsibilities. Norma was also a property manager and could tackle most repair projects like a professional.

Norma was a loving and compassionate person who always put family before herself. An inventive spirit, Norma loved to come up with ways to make everyday life a little easier. She had files full of inventions from fishing pole cases to fan blade dusters. Norma was a gifted artist and painter and enjoyed in her spare time making crafts.

On a daily basis, Norma checked Facebook to see what her friends and family were up to and enjoyed seeing pictures of relatives from around the world. Norma was also an avid viewer of the Dr. Phil show and loved to share tips with her family and friends. Norma had a great sense of humor and was known to pull a prank or two. She loved to share stories, and always laughed at her own jokes. One defining character trait of Norma’s was her optimism. By far, her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews who considered her a great treasure.

She touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.