Norma Jean Crawford (Cole), age 86, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Riverbank, California.

Norma was born on January 14, 1940, in Antlers, Oklahoma, to JoeAnna Cole and George Cole, members of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations of Oklahoma. She spent her early childhood in Antlers, within the Choctaw Nation, before moving with her family to Modesto, California, and later to Riverbank, where she graduated from Oakdale High School.

From an early age, Norma loved the outdoors and fishing, a passion first shared with her by her father. That adventurous spirit stayed with her throughout her life. She believed life was meant to be lived fully and embraced every opportunity to see the world, traveling to nearly every continent and more than 30 countries.

Norma was a hardworking and dedicated woman who spent 25 years at Silgan Containers. In retirement, she continued giving back through volunteer work at the Oakdale Senior Center.

She was known for being strong-willed, independent, caring, resourceful, and full of life. More than anything, Norma loved time with family and friends. She enjoyed camping, traveling, and creating lasting memories with those she loved most.

Norma is survived by her sons, Randall Crawford and Keith Crawford; her sister, Patricia Engelbert; her grandchildren, Grant, Kevin, and Taylor; and her great-grandchildren, Kanyon, Clayton, Owen, and Ava.

She was preceded in death by her parents, JoeAnna Cole and George Cole, and her brother, Louis Cole.

A funeral service will be held on May 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, California, meeting at the Evergreen Garden. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Event Center 335 N. 8th Ave, Oakdale, California.

Norma’s legacy is one of being strong-willed, independent, and resourceful. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

May 6, 2026