Norma Elaine Lybbert

Norma Elaine (Ostler) Lybbert passed away peacefully on 28 January 2026, surrounded by family and cradled in their love and the tender, compassionate care of the medical staff at Providence/Sacred Heart Hospital. She was 89 years old. Norma was born on 24 May 1936 in Kimberly, Idaho.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and May Ostler; her siblings, Mildred Moyes, Glenn Ostler, and Carroll Carnline; her children, Gary Lybbert (2010), Michael Lybbert (1957), and Carol Turley (2021); a granddaughter, Melissa Lybbert; and a great-grandson, Daxton Lybbert.

She is survived by her husband, Kay Lybbert; her children, Alane Watkins, Fred Lybbert, Janene Jensen, and Emily Hansen; 29 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and her siblings, Donna Lybbert and Jack Ostler. Norma loved her husband and family deeply.

Throughout her life, Norma lived in Kimberly, Twin Falls, Hagerman, and Gooding, Idaho, and Moses Lake, Ephrata, Deer Park, Chewelah, Wilbur, Warden, and Spokane Valley, Washington. In every place she lived, she created a home centered on faith, family, and honest, hard work.

She attended Twin Falls Elementary (grades 1–2), Elementary South (grades 3–5), Hagerman Elementary (grades 6–7), Gooding (grades 8–9), and Moses Lake High School (grade 10). She left school in grade 10 when she married Kay in 1952, at the age of 15.

One of her fondest childhood friendships was with Delores Chigbrow, with whom she loved to run around and share adventures.

Norma was most proud of her 74-year marriage to her husband, Kay; her seven children; and her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life revolved entirely around her home and family. She was an incredible and resourceful cook and was inseparable from Kay — they went everywhere and did everything together. When asked how she wished to be remembered, she answered simply: that I loved my Heavenly Father.

Norma enjoyed crocheting, cooking for her family, and helping Kay in the corrals with the cows. She happily cooked whatever Dad ordered — except liver and onions or shrimp! Her favorite flowers were lilacs and purple irises.

Though her body was failing her, Norma’s mind remained sharp and clear right up to the end — with her humor and wit on full display. Near the end, as she heard again how much she would be missed, she quipped, “It’s better to miss someone when they’re gone than wishing they were gone.”

Her favorite scripture was 1 Nephi 3:7:

“I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

A verse that reflected how she lived her life — with faith, obedience, and trust in the Lord.

Some of the most profound and difficult moments of her life included the death of her 14-month-old nephew, Danny Carnline, the loss of her 18-month-old son, Michael, when their home was destroyed by fire, and the sorrow she felt when loved ones struggled in their faith. Through joy and heartbreak alike, Norma remained steadfast in her testimony of Christ and her love for her family.

Norma’s family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to her in her final days by the staff at Providence/Sacred Heart Hospital, particularly her nurses: Sophie, Amanda, and Ann.

A funeral service will be held on 7 February at the LDS Chapel, 1017 S County Rd, Warden, WA 98857. In lieu of flowers, the family invites remembrance through acts of faith, service, and devotion to family — values Norma lived every day. Norma expressed a hope that her passing might soften hearts that have hardened toward others, so that relationships might be mended.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.