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Norma Lee Bales Girdler, age 97, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at her home.
Norma was born on December 27, 1928 to the late William Prentice Bales and Ophia Whitaker Bales in Dahl, Kentucky.
She was a member of Slate Branch Baptist. She enjoyed word searches, watching Gunsmoke, and making jewelry for friends and family. She enjoyed singings on Tuesdays at the Old Pisgah School and eating at Hardees with the “Breakfast Club”. She loved her family and especially cherished all her grand, great, and great-great grandchildren.
Along with her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Velasco Girdler Jr., daughters: Kathy Lynn Thayer and Mary Alice Hamilton, brothers: Earl, Kenneth, David, Vola, Jack, Parker Bales, sisters: Gertrude Girdler and Goldie Cundiff.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, Gary Allen Hines (Trisha) of Toledo, OH; daughters: Brenda Lee Taylor (Gary), Virginia Ann Turner (Doyle), Elizabeth Jane Dungan all of Somerset, and Bobbie Jo Helton of Greenwood, Ky; brother Joe Bales (Beaulah) of Sugar Hill, Ky;
17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 5pm-8pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 11am at the funeral home with Bro. Eddie Melton officiating. Burial will follow in Slate Branch Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Scott Taylor, Danny, David, and Kyle Hawk, Jake Helton, and Willie Dungan.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Norma Lee Bales Girdler.
i’ll miss you nanny
A wonderful aunt and lady. I loved to visit her and her girls in slate branch when I was growing up. Everyone loved her. She will be greatly missed.
So sorry loss best friend rip ..always had a beautiful smile ..sure will be missed we had some good times …
My heart goes out to the Family. Sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful lady! Norma was one of a kind. She was always the same no matter where you seen her. She had a big , beautiful smile that shined bright. I truly loved Ms. Norma. She was a hard working woman and has a beautiful family. She will always be remembered in my heart. To all the family , you have my deepest sympathy. Prayers and Hugs! Amanda and Perry Cunningham
Praying for the family. Sorry for your loss.