Norma Lavaughn (Davison) Austin-Peters was born on February 5th, 1922, in Ogallala, Nebraska. She died August 29th, 2005, surrounded by her family, in the last home that she and her husband, George, built together in East Bremerton. Norma died after a 9-month battle with liver cancer. She was of the Lutheran faith.

She was the middle child of three daughters born to Brunce and Grace (Bame) Davison. Her paternal grandparents were early settlers of Ogallala. Norma's parents homesteaded near Morrisey, Wyoming, where she spent her childhood. They lived in a sod house in the winters and a wood-frame house in summer. They moved back to Ogallala so the girls could attend high school there. She graduated from Ogallala High in 1940.

Norma married George Austin on March 3rd, 1941, in Grant, Nebraska. They followed family members to Tacoma, Washington, in 1942, to find work during the war. They moved to Bremerton in 1953. She was a homemaker until their children, Georgia and Norma Jean, were grown. Then she worked for the school lunch program, mostly as a baker. Norma and George had been married for 35 years when he died in 1976. During their marriage, together they built three of the family homes.

After being widowed for 15 years, she was briefly married to Earl Peters. Norma loved her family, gardening and flowers, collecting owls and plates, music and dancing. She was an avid square and round dancer for almost 50 years. Until recently, she was a member of Round Squares. She had been a member of Belles and Beauxs, Dudes and Dolls, B#'s and several other clubs over the years. Her beautiful smile, sense of humor, and caring heart, made her rich in friends. Norma was well-traveled and enjoyed trips with family and friends to Europe, Asia, and throughout the United States.

She was closely involved with her family. Her children and her grandchildren love her dearly, and she was proud of them all. She contributed financially to her grandchildren's college educations. It had been a dream of George and Norma's, and after George's death, she sacrificed to make it come true. Norma attended their graduations and weddings. She has a total of four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In the past several years, Norma enjoyed the special friendship of Charles Jones. They have been walking partners and traveling companions. Up until the end he was able to bring a smile to her face.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Austin; her granddaughter, Kari Lynn Nelson; her sister, Alta Hyde; and her parents.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Georgia and Bruce Nelson of Bremerton and Norma Jean and Michael Perlmutter of Orange Park, Florida. Her grandchildren are: Kurt and Diane Nelson of Kent, Washington, Jim and Leah Cigler of Pooler, Georgia, Jodi and Scott Farrell of Jacksonville, Florida and Vanda Baker of Jacksonville, Florida. Her great-grandchildren are: Brooke Nelson, Madison and Carson Cigler, Sean, Ryan and Michelle Farrell and Brenden Baker. Norma is also survived by her sister, Marylu Tignor Arnold of Atoka, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law, Ella Mae Austin of Olympia, Gladys Bauermeister of Lakewood and Mary Hubbard of Kalispell, Montana; numerous nieces and nephews and her special friend, Charles Jones and his family.

The family sincerely appreciates the support, guidance, and loving care provided by Hospice of Kitsap County, which made it possible for Norma to stay in her home. A special thanks to Katrina, Erin and Dee and to Dr. Dennis Willerford, her oncologist, and staff.

Services will be at Lewis Funeral Chapel, Thursday, September 8th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 7th, noon to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. A celebration of life and potluck sponsored by Round Squares will be held at the Kitsap Square Dance Hall, 6800 Old Belfair Highway, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. following the services. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Kitsap County, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research or the Red Cross for Katrina Relief.