Norma Deen Stathis

Norma Deen Stathis, age 92, passed away peacefully in her home in Roseville, CA, surrounded by her loving family on March 17, 2023.  She was born May 20, 1930, at Mrs. Windous Maternity Home in East Ely, NV, the first child of Chester and Helen Swain Larson. She went home to the Old Pearce Place in Spring Valley, White Pine County Nevada.  She would soon be joined by her brother, Neil, sister Vonda Gae and brother LeRoy. They resided in Spring Valley until 1939 when they moved to East Ely. Her father was then employed by Kennecott Copper Corporation and in 1940 they moved to McGill, NV.  Two more children would be born to the family, Albert Lynn and Helene.  

Norma attended McGill Grade School and graduated from White Pine High School in 1947.  After graduation, she met Nick “Goog” Krmpotic. They were married November 27, 1948, in the old Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ely NV. They resided in McGill for a short time and then moved to Oakland, CA, for Nick to attend college.  Following Nick’s graduation, they moved to San Lorenzo, CA, to start their family. They were blessed with three boys, Mitchell, Michael and Matthew.  Sadly, Nick passed away suddenly in December,1965, and Norma was left to raise her boys alone. Her neighbors and her family were there for her during those tough times. 

In 1971, through Little League Baseball, at a Little League dance, she met Stephen Stathis. He had lost his wife, Frances, and had four children, Andy, Chris, Karen and James.  Norma and Steve were married in Reno, NV, on April 15, 1972, and began raising their blended family.  They enjoyed going to auctions and garage sales and collected many beautiful treasures. Steve passed away on March 22,1989.  Once again Norma was alone, but she made the best of it traveling back to Ely for Fourth of July Class Reunions, family get togethers and visiting family and friends all around the west. 

She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining, gardening and crocheting and made many beautiful things her family treasures. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She loved to decorate and made the Holidays extra special for everyone. She was a great listener and always put other’s needs before her own. Her greatest joy was her family and her contagious laughter and beautiful spirit will forever live in our hearts. She is our Matriarch and will be greatly missed. 

Norma is survived by her children: Michael, Matthew ( Laurie) Krmpotic and Andrew (Debbie), Chris (Nancy), Karen and James Stathis. Grandchildren: Lindsay (David), Kurt (Chelsea), Kayla (Ethan), Nicole, Eleni (Corey), Stephanie (Derek).  Great-grandchildren: Abel, Nash, David, Mila, Sophia and Kash.   She is also survived by her brother, Neil (Kathy) Larson, sister Helene (Craig) Betsill and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husbands, Nick and Steve, son Mitchell, sister and brother-in-law Vonda and Gordon Cooper, and her two brothers, LeRoy and Lynn Larson.

A private family graveside service will be held.  Norma will be laid to rest next to Nick.

“Happy trails to you … ‘til we meet again.”