Norma Joyce Franklin

Sept. 21, 1942 - Nov. 12, 2023
Norma Joyce Cropsey, 81, of Basin, Wyo., passed away on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Houston, Texas, with family by her side.
No services are planned at this time, but a small memorial will be held at a later date in Basin, Wyo.
Norma was born in Greybull, Wyo., on Sept. 21, 1942. She was raised on a dairy/sheep farm on Orchard Bench. She attended Basin schools until her senior year. Her family leased the farm and moved to Shell, Wyo., so Norma had to live with her brother in Greybull. She graduated from Greybull High School in 1960.
Norma married Thomas Doherty in Houston, Texas, in 1968. They had two children, Tommy Wayne and Brenda Joyce. They lived in Texas, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming during their married years. They divorced in 1980 and Norma remained in Basin, Wyo., where she worked for Aviation Maintenance Publishers. She started out as a receptionist and later became the secretary-treasurer. She said this job was “the love of her life” and she devoted many hours of labor and love to its abundant and rocky life during her 20+ year tenure. She moved with the company from Basin to Riverton, Wyo., and then to Casper, Wyo.
In 1995, Norma moved back to Basin to be closer to her aging mother. She worked for a brief time at Wheeler’s Market and then went to work for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in 1996. She was a data controller until her retirement in 2007. In 1999, her oldest son whom she had adopted out, found her, and their reunion was the highlight of her life along with the joys of motherhood to Tommy Wayne and Brenda.
Norma loved the mountains, trout fishing and camping out, watching nature’s wonders and creatures, crocheting afghans, doing crossword puzzles, playing the piano and listening to music — country, classical and reggae. Her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter were the absolute joy of her life.
She is survived by her three children: son Dr. Mattice D. Kussman of Helena, Mont.; son Tommy W. Doherty of Manvel, Texas; daughter Brenda Laskoskie of Houston, Texas; grandson Braden Doherty (Carlie); granddaughter Tiana Gallagher; granddaughter Janelle Bowen; great-granddaughter Adelyn, as well as sister Barbara Daly, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard (Dick) Cropsey, and various aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Norma’s name.