Norma Jean Main

Norma Main passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26th at age 83. Her last days were filled with family and love.

Norma Jean Hotop was born on March 7, 1943, in Biehle, Missouri to Walter and Leola Hotop. She was a loyal wife, a devoted mother, a dedicated friend, and, according to at least eight people (and a dozen of their children), the world’s best Nama. She will be dearly missed by her brothers: Jerry (Judy) Hotop and Sylvester (late Joyce) Hotop; children: Tim (Marty) Main and Kim (Ed) Tobiasz; grandchildren: Ali Main, Anna Main, Eva Main, TJ Main, Ashley (Jeremy) Barron, Amber (Matthew) Sprock, Autumn Tobiasz, Angela Tobiasz and her newest additions Nick and Thomas Bergman; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Easton, Julia, Kase, Clara, Abigail, Emmalyn, Jasper, Layla, Brooklynn, Atlas and Aurora. She loved her family with unabashed passion. They were everything to her.

She enjoyed an adventurous childhood alongside her big brothers, Jerry and Vess - who were always there to watch over her. Later on, Norma was always up for a good time, enjoying so many with her loved ones- including seeing Elvis Presley live in concert twice.

But to Norma, even Elvis paled in comparison to Walt, her devoted husband who was by her side for 60 years. Walt and Norma Main married on December 26th, just after 6am (yes 6:00am…) after a swift 3-month courtship. When you know, you know! They renewed those vows six decades later, surrounded by friends and family on Christmas Eve at their home in Foley. When Mercy needed a patient to throw out the first pitch for Cancer Awareness Day at Busch Stadium, they chose Norma and she delivered along with a hug from Fred Bird himself.

She’ll be remembered by all who knew her for her kindness, humor, thoughtfulness and generosity. Norma was always giving – time, compassion, attention, a Christmas present or 30 at her legendary Christmas Eve gathering where all were welcome to eat, drink and karaoke until long after Santa started making his rounds. Just as memorable were the many camping trips, barbecues, dance parties and hayrides.

Most importantly, she was generous with her tremendous capacity to love. To know Norma was to love and to be loved by her. Many of us will miss her hugs, her smiles, her encouragement, but we will always have her love.

Norma is now with Walt, making up for a year of lost memories and laughs.

To the Mercy Cancer Care team—doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers—the compassionate care, love, and friendship you provided Mom meant more to her than you could ever imagine. She loved you all. You were her Mercy family, and she talked about you often. A special hug for Nicole—your unwavering love, kindness, and support were invaluable to Mom, her angel and partner in crime. You held a special place in her heart.

Memorials may be made in Norma's name to the American Cancer Society and The BackStoppers.