In Memory of
Gayla Sue Norgaard

Gayla Norgaard, 90, passed away on November 28, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, surrounded by family that loved her. There will be a celebration of Life on Saturday December 21 from 4:00-6:00 at the Stillwater Country Club. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Gayla was born on May 23, 1934, in El Reno, Oklahoma to Chester and Mina Lamb. She had one sister, Patricia Lamb Givens, with whom she remained close to throughout her life. Gayla's family moved to California when her father joined the navy during WWII in 1942. Gayla graduated from Whittier High School in Los Angeles, where around the same time (and in no surprise to anyone) Gayla was a beauty queen at the Los Angeles County Fair.

It was 1954 when Gayla met the love of her life, Ron Norgaard, or as she called him then, "Ronnie." A daily journal Gayla kept during 1954 records them bowling, listening to music together, and attending dinner parties at friends' houses. The two were married on June 13, 1954, in Reno, Nevada. Gayla and Ron then moved to Oklahoma to be closer to Gayla's family. There, they started a family and raised their two daughters, Robin and Rikki, in Stillwater Oklahoma.

Gayla was the backbone of her family as Ron rose in ranks in the banking industy. She was a die-hard Oklahoma State fan, where she proudly watched both Robin and Rikki graduate. Gayla and Ron attended every Oklahoma State sporting event possible, and Gayla could talk sports with the best of them.

Gayla's daughters both married men that they loved. She welcomed two son-in-law's, Paul Belflower and Randy Pittman. As each family grew, she made a point to get the family together for family vacations. Some of her favorite memories were at the beach at those Florida vacations because she valued nothing more than having her family together.

Gayla was was an avid reader and expert cross-word-puzzler. She was in five bridge clubs, not only because she loved the game of bridge, but because she made countless friendships through the years in which she was still involved up until her last days! She also enjoyed and excelled in playing tennis and loved playing golf at the Stillwater Country Club for many years.
Later in life, Gayla became more lovingly known as our "Gigi." She was, not only a matriarchal grandmother, but a great-grandmother. Gigi attended countless sporting and school events for her family. Gigi always showed up for her family-something we do not take for granted and hope to emulate in her honor.

No better example was set than the relationship Gayla had with Ron. They raised a family who adored both of them and will carry on their legacy long after they are gone. Gayla and Ron celebrated over 50 years of marriage, and although they are dearly missed, we find comfort that today, they are reunited.

Gayla was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Norgaard; her parents, Chester and Mina Lamb; her sister, Patricia Lamb Givens, and her son-in-law, Paul Belflower. She is survived by her daughters, Robin Belfower and Rikki Pittman; her son-in-law, Randy Pittman; her grandkids and their spouses, Kylee and John Glaser, Ryan and Summer Pittman, Adam and Alexandra Belflower, Baylee and Nathan Hoffman, Rainey and Michael Cangialosi, and Rylee Pittman; and her ten great-grandchildren, Collins, Greer, and Perry Pittman, Garrison and Cameran Glaser, William and Nicholas Cangialosi, Elliott Belflower, and Hadlee and Rowan Hoffman.


Special thanks to the staff at Primrose Retirement Community for their kindness and care in her final days.