Norma Jean Erickson Poling (age unknown) passed away on October 30, 2019. Norma graduated from Arizona State College with an elementary education degree in 1953. She received her Masters of Arts degree in elementary education from ASU in 1965. She was an elementary school teacher and principal for 36 years prior to her retirement from the profession in June of 1990. During her illustrious career, she earned the State of California Life General teaching credentials and was honored by the Parent Teacher Association with its highest award, an Honorary Lifetime Membership. In 2003, she was selected by the ASU College of Education as a member of the 18th Academy of Fellows program, and was one of 800 outstanding American educators to receive this honor. Her leadership skills expressed themselves throughout her life as she rose to the position of school principal at three elementary schools in the Rancho Palos Verdes Unified School District. In addition to her illustrious career in education, Norma was an active community and civic leader. From 1998 to 2000, she served as president of the Scottsdale Branch of the American Association of University Women. Norma was predeceased by her husband, Philip Eugene. She is survived by a brother, four children, 12 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren and two nephews.

Norma's Service of Celebration of Life will be held on December 28, 2019 at 2 p.m. at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, 85254. In lieu of flowers, financial gifts may be given to the National Orphan Train Complex, 300 Washington St., PO Box 322, Concordia, KS 66901, "AAUW-Scottsdale Branch Education Foundation" and sent in care of the organization's treasurer at: 3006 E. Harwell Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85042 or given to La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church. (Source: Arizona Republic)