Norma M. Dunbar, 102, of Solon, IA and formerly of Brighton, IA passed away on Sunday, February 23,
2025, at the Mechanicsville Specialty Care in Mechanicsville, IA.
A private burial will take place at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Brighton, IA. Memorial contributions in Norma’s honor may be directed to the
Salvation Army and mailed to 1607 Polk Ave NE, Solon, IA 52333.
Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Norma Dunbar entered this life on September 4, 1922, in West Liberty, IA the oldest child of William and
Ella Haacks Dinse. She was a 1940 graduate of Tipton High School and went on to further her education
by taking courses in business administration. Shortly after graduation she was united in marriage to
Calvin Straney. Together they became the loving parents of a daughter, Gail. Calvin was killed in action
while serving his country in WWII and Norma quickly became a single mother. She worked hard to
support her young family and held several positions at local businesses. Her attention to detail and
organizational skills made her successful at any position she held. On July 5, 1959, she married Leo
Dunbar and moved the family to Brighton, IA. Together they had two daughters, Mary and Narda. They
purchased a beautiful old house in Brighton and Norma got to work cleaning and fixing, restoring it to its
original grandeur.
Norma was deeply involved in her community, actively participating in organizations such as the local
PEO, Eastern Star, TTT, and the American Legion Auxiliary in both Brighton and Solon. She was a 75-year
member of the American Legion Auxiliary and held many offices. Additionally, Norma was a proud
member of the Southeast Iowa Button Club, where she received numerous awards and treasured the
lifelong friendships she formed.
Norma relished a good hand of cards and was particularly fond of playing bridge and pinochle. An
accomplished seamstress, she frequently sewed clothes for her family. Norma also maintained a large
garden, canning the produce to share with family and friends and incorporating it into her many recipes.
Throughout her remarkable 102 years, her most cherished treasure was her family, especially her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her family and those lucky enough
to call her friend.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Calvin Straney and Leo Dunbar, as well as
three siblings, Irma Schiltz, John “Bud” Dinse, and Hilbert Dinse.
Left to share her story are her children, Gail Ott of Layton, UT, Mary (Kris) Kucera of Solon, IA, and Narda
(George) Wall of Ely, IA; seven grandchildren, Joseph, Julie, Benjamin, Adam, Candice, Mitchell, and
Elaina; four great grandchildren, Garrett, Adalyn, Sophia, and Theodore, as well as many extended
family and friends.
