Norma Jean (Indendi) Tarkalson

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we share the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother Norma Jean Indendi Tarkalson. Norma was the oldest of three daughters born to Albert and Ellen Indendi on May 17, 1942 in Anaconda, MT and died peacefully on February 22, 2025 in Butte, MT.  Norma spent her childhood with her loving family; fishing, camping and enjoying Italian & Swedish meals prepared by her mother.  Her fondest memories were attending bible camp at Flathead Lake and working at her family owned “White Spot” in Anaconda, cooking burgers and enjoying soda pops with her parents and younger sisters.

It was during her senior year of high school when she was offered a ride by the love of her life, Ray, in his early 1950’s Studebaker, when they began their 65 year love affair.  Although they each went their separate ways for college, it was short lived and they got married in the summer of 1960.  Soon after they expanded their family with their first son Kevin, followed by Kurt, Toni and Terri.  Their family was completed in 1991 with the adoption of their daughter Ebony.

Norma’s love for her family was seen as her primary role as wife and homemaker.  She had a passion for sewing and made most of Toni and Terri’s clothes while they were young.  Her other love was in the kitchen; cooking Italian meals, baking pies and decorating cakes for all occasions.  Summer time for Norma and her family was spent camping along the Big Hole River at the Sportsman Campground.  Precious memories were created there with relatives on both sides of her family.

Norma also had a strong love for her Lord and Savior and serving others.  She was an active church member serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Awana Leader.  Also in the summertime, she served at C - N Bible Camp in Augusta, MT as a camp counselor and camp cook alongside her dear friend Lillie Swanson for many years.  Later in life, she shifted her stewardship to quilting baby blankets for newborns at the Anaconda Community Hospital and local women’s shelters.

Norma’s love for children was also seen in a variety of ways.  She had an in-home daycare for many years which led her and Ray becoming foster parents for over a dozen children.  Her true pride and joy was becoming a grandmother of three sets of twins; Megan & Morgan, Kane & Ian and Dean & Ellen along with the 2 singletons; Mackenzie and Ricci.  Norma and Ray spent their later years between Billings and Oregon creating special memories with their dear grandchildren.

Norma is preceded in death by her loving parents Albert & Ellen Indendi, sister Patricia Indendi Moon, and her beloved oldest son Kevin Tarkalson.

The Tarkalson family would like to thank the many dear people who supported Norma’s final years of illness;  Diane McCarthy of Anaconda, Dr. Yates of Butte, HoneyBee Hospice Nurse Virginia Williford, and the loving staff of House 3 of BeeHive Homes.

Norma’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Longfellow Finnegan and Riddle Funeral Home Wednesday, March 5th with visitation starting at 10 am, service at 11 am with time for fellowship and refreshments following the service.  Graveside service will be at approximately 1:30 pm Sunset Memorial Park 5001 Crackerville Rd, Gregson, MT.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Norma.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is privileged to care for Norma and her family.