Norma J. Crooks

Norma Jean (Kull) Crooks, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on November 23, 1929, in Hornell, New York, to Walter and Leah (Fay) Kull.

She grew up in Hornell as the eldest of ten siblings and graduated from Hornell High School in 1948. Her yearbook described her as someone who was "always laughing" and "taking things easy".

On February 16, 1952, she married John A. "Jack" Crooks, and together they raised four children while traveling during Jack’s years in the U.S. Air Force. Over the course of 15 years, they were stationed at four different bases before settling in Maryland and later retiring to Florida. Throughout their journey, they built lasting friendships that endured well beyond their military and civil service years. From hosting lively gatherings at home to attending social events in Washington, D.C., to family reunions and clam bakes back home in New York, Mom took every opportunity to create joyful memories with those she loved.

After Dad passed in 2004, Mom continued to embrace life fully alongside her children and grandchildren. She made countless trips to Wyoming for family visits and adventures like snowmobiling and motorcycle rides. She traveled to California, Washington state, and even Germany to spend time with her beloved granddaughter Jada Rose. She also frequently visited her sister Nancy and brother-in-law Tom in Ormond Beach, where she and Nancy shared a love of plants, birds, shopping, cooking, and playing games—always a lively pair.

Many dear friends became family to her: John Ward and CC Moore; Charlie and Carlyn Cikovic and Carlyn’s family in Missouri; Bill and Sue Epoch in Washington; Skip and Glenda Stanton and their family in Florida; Chuck and Julie Parks in Nevada; and Rip and Jane Murphy in New Jersey. Even her doctors enjoyed hearing about her latest travels during appointments—she was always off on a new adventure!

Food was at the heart of Mom’s gatherings—cooking and baking were her love language. An exceptional cook, she brought family and friends together over favorites such as homemade spaghetti sauce, pork and sauerkraut, Lone Star pot roast, and Italian vegetable soup. Yet she never stopped exploring new recipes. She said many times that she was happiest in her kitchen.

Mom is survived by her three sons: Michael (Cheryl) of Green River, Wyoming; John (Cindy) of Minden, Louisiana; Tim of Green River, Wyoming; and her daughter Leah (Dennis) of Sarasota, Florida. She will be missed and remembered by us all, including her grandchildren—Josh, Jada, Jon, Mikey, and Clint—as well as her great-grandchildren: Ciara, Hailey, Brayden, Jax, Serenity, Hope, Faith Alystica, and Emilyn.

She is also survived by her brother Jim (Barbara) Kull of Canisteo; sisters-in-law Carol (Chris) Kull and Donna (Richard) Kull; along with many nieces and nephews. Among them were especially close bonds with Mary Reardon as well as Nancy's children—Colleen, Tom, Shawn, and Dan.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband Jack on December 25th, 2004; her parents Walter (February 28th, 1983) and Leah (March 5th, 1980); her granddaughter Jaquelyn Nichole (September 1st, 1988); as well as her siblings: Bill (February 27th, 2010), Barbara Flint (November 30th, 2021), Mary Dineen (September 30th, 2022), Richard (January 7th, 2008), Bob (April 1st ,2010), Renee Towner (August 7th ,1997), Chris (August 27th ,2024), and Nancy Glynn (November 14th ,2024).

A service will be held on Friday, February 21st at Bender Brown & Powers Funeral Home at 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell. Calling hours will take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon followed by a funeral service officiated by Father Thomas Gramley at noon. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Hornell. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mom’s life at a reception at The Main Place at 251 Main Street in Hornell beginning at 1:30pm where food and beverages will be served.

Mom lived a life filled with laughter and love for family near and far that touched everyone around her. Her memory will continue bringing joy to all who knew her.