Frances Brooks

Frances Norann Brooks passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023 surrounded by family at St. Luke's
Hospice Hospital. Born August 16, 1938 on the farm of her parents David and Frances Brooks south of
Hume, MO, Norann was the oldest of the six children. She attended Brush College in a one room school
house her elementary years, walking to school one mile each day. When it closed she attended Hume R-8
School graduating as Valedictorian in the Class of 1956. Her classmates remained close throughout her life.
After graduating, she went to Kansas City to work at Kansas City Life Insurance where she retired after
35 years in 1995. She loved her work and many friends at Kansas City Life. She loved to travel and
every year traveled to a different state, even going to Europe after retiring. Norann bowled in a league at
work and also went to different bowling tournaments with team mates. She enjoyed going to Starlight,
different dinner theaters, the Royal games, and the American Royal. Due to her generosity many family
members got to join her in those activities over the years.
After retiring she moved back to the home place to help our mother. She loved the farm and helping with
the hatchery flock, the flowers, the cats – especially Miss Grey and Callie - and all that happens on a
farm. She became involved in the community by being secretary of the Hume Alumni meetings, being on
the Henry Township Road Board and hosting meetings, oversaw the Lawrence Cemetery, joined the Hume Garden Club
where she became a lifetime member , and worked with the County Line 4-H teaching decoupage, wood
burning, arts and crafts and bowling. She helped many years with the care of her Aunt Rita Murray.
Norann always wanted to help. She was a kind, very sweet soul, but also independent. She loved her
sisters and brothers very much and her many, many nieces and nephews, always remembering all their
birthdays.
As the years passed she developed Parkinson's which slowed her down more than she wanted. She could
no longer do everything and we needed to bring in help. We were so blessed and thankful for Sandy,
Lori, Layknn, Tacy, Abby, Leanna, and Aricka for loving and taking such good care our sister. Norann
had many caretakers but the truth is she was one of the biggest caretakers of all.
Norann is preceded in death by her parents David and Frances Brooks, brother David Eugene Brooks and
brother-in-law Harry Bell. She is survived by her three sisters Rita Burns (Kenneth), Mildred Bell, Helen
Owens (David) and one brother Frank Brooks (Barb), and one sister-in-law Patti Brooks and many, many
nieces and nephews.
The service will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Hume Christian Church. Visitation at 10AM
and Celebration of Life at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Lawrence Cemetery in care of
Carrie Sutcliffe, 10266 SW State Route A, Hume, MO 64752.