In Loving Memory of Norma Lee Peres

August 30, 1929 – June 28, 2025

Norma Lee Peres, a beloved mother, grandmother, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, at the remarkable age of 95. A lifelong Oklahoman with deep roots in Kansas, Norma lived a life defined by quiet strength, enduring faith, and boundless love for her family.

Born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on August 30, 1929, Norma was the daughter of Alfred Edwin and Edith Mary (Tannahill) Cheney. She was raised in Blackwell and various towns across Kansas, instilled with the values of resilience, kindness, and compassion that would carry her throughout her life.

Norma married Leslie Milford Christenson on August 26, 1945, in Neosho Falls, Kansas. Though their time together was brief, ending with his passing in 1946, their union was meaningful. On April 16, 1947, she married Oren Wayne Peres in Burlington, Kansas. Together, they built a life grounded in love and hard work, first on a farm in Leroy, Kansas, and later in Blackwell. In 1965, they settled in Braman, Oklahoma, where they opened the local Texaco Station—Norma diligently managed the books while Oren kept the business running. She remained a dedicated member of the Braman Methodist Church and a faithful presence in the community for nearly six decades.

Norma was preceded in death by her loving husband Oren in 2006, and by many cherished family members: her parents; her brothers Alvin and Kenneth Cheney; her sisters Alta Ricketts, Ramona DeWitt, Evelyn Pappan, Eleanor Eggers, Loetta Dale, and Helen Stiles; her children Mary Emma Garland, Carl Loren Peres, and Frank Alfred Peres; her grandson Quincy Levi Hicks; her great-grandchild Regan Stahl-Hicks; and one great-great-grandchild.

Her legacy lives on through her devoted family: son Leslie V. Christenson and wife Susan of Blackwell; daughters Rita Lee and husband Jack Bruner of Fort Worth, Texas, and Evelyn Gail Hicks of Blackwell. She is lovingly remembered by sixteen grandchildren—Vicky, Charles, Michele, Carla, Kindra, Kara, Geoff, Darrick, Chad, John, Jeremy, Mandy, Sharyn, Travis, Lonnie, and Tommy—along with twenty-five great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry a piece of her heart within them.

Norma's life was one of quiet grace, steady faith, and unwavering devotion to family. Whether through a warm embrace, a shared story, or a lovingly prepared meal, she made those around her feel safe and cherished. Her presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Braman Community Church to honor Norma's enduring faith and service.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Roberts & Son Funeral Home.

A celebration of Norma's life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Roberts & Son Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at the Blackwell Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at http://robertsandsonfh.com.

"Her hands were gentle, her heart was kind, and her love was boundless. Her spirit lives on in every life she touched."

Best Regards,
Lonnie Hicks