Norma Christine Fugate

Norma Christine (Bonsteel) Fugate, second child to Jim and Elna (Anholm) Bonsteel, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully June 30, 2024 at the age of 87. She was born 10/9/36 in San Luis Obispo, CA, moved to Fresno at age 9 and remained there for many years.

Norma met future husband Ed Fugate, through his younger sister, her high school friend Grace Fugate (now Andrews). Ed and Norma were married on September 16, 1956, and were married almost 62 years when Ed passed away in 2018. 

Norma was a convert to the Community of Christ (then RLDS) in her late teens when that same high school friend Grace Fugate (now Andrews) invited her to a youth party. Norma was a committed, but unassuming disciple her whole life. She never sought out the spot light, but always wanted to serve. She had many responsibilities through the years, including women's leader, skylark leader, Sunday school class teacher, pianist/organist, choir member, youth camp director, congregational financial officer, pastor, and on and on.

Norma was a devoted wife, accompanying Ed to many places in Calif for his career - Fresno, Angels Camp, Quincy, Taft, Lake Isabella, Bakersfield. She was an accomplished bookkeeper and office worker, always finding a job wherever they moved. Eventually they moved to Blue Springs MO in 2009 to be nearer their daughter in their retirement years.

Ed and Norma had four children - Ed Fugate Jr (Fatima Gomez), Sandi Boyd (John), Stephen Fugate (Nancy), Rich Fugate (Kristina); nine grandchildren - Curtis Fugate (Jessie), Samantha Maple (Reece), Sarah Boyd, Jenna Boyd, Penelope Gomez-Fugate, Korina Gomez-Fugate, Kristy Gomez-Fugate, Dylan Fugate and Taylor Fugate. Two great grandchildren - Eveyln Fugate and Bailey Maple.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Elna Bonsteel, husband Ed Fugate, sister Elaine Tote.

Norma was a caring and loving mom, grandma, and great grandma. Family and serving God were always at the top of her priorities. She loved to crochet, knit, cross stitch, needlework, research and document family history, play the piano, and dabble in painting; she was adventurous, loving the outdoors, especially mountains and redwoods, specifically Dinky Creek, California and "Happy Valley" in Santa Cruz California. She loved puzzles of all kinds, sudoko, family games, etc. 

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Community of Christ, Novus Hospice, or the charity of your choice.