Norma Janette Lisle

Norma Janette Lisle, age 94, of Fruitland, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho, lovingly surrounded by family.

Norma was born in Kimberly, Idaho on May 14, 1932, to John and Ida Stohler. Norma attended schools in Lincoln and Ontario and graduated high school in Vale, Oregon in 1950. After high school, Norma joined Malheur Bell as a telephone operator in Ontario, Oregon and subsequently joined the Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Payette, Idaho. As a telephone operator, she worked at the telephone switchboard with the many cords and brass plugs. When her daughter, Lori, needed to ask her mom a question while she was at work, she dialed zero and they passed her call down the switchboard to Norma. Norma enjoyed being a telephone operator where she made many life-long friends and served for 31 years.

Norma met Ken Lisle at a dance at the Grange Hall in Ontario. They were married in 1952 while Kenny was serving in the U.S. Air Force. She saved all his Air Force paychecks which enabled them to buy their first house and 26 acres in Fruitland when he completed his service. She lived in Fruitland for 70 years. Norma loved living in Fruitland and loved Idaho.

A definite non-TV sports fan in her early years, Norma became an enthusiastic BSU fan later in life. She followed coach Pete and Kellen Moore, and in recent years, to the surprise of her family, would reel off the names of many of the BSU football and basketball players and their highlights in the most recent game. Norma loved shopping, especially with her sister, Phyllis. She loved pretty things like bows on presents, Martha Washington geraniums, dolls, sparkly pins, and rhinestones.

Norma and Ken occasionally traveled. They attended the World’s Fair in Spokane WA, visited family in Connecticut and New Jersey, went to Mexico with friends, took a Caribbean cruise with Lori and an Alaskan cruise with the Lisle family. They traveled out-of-state to visit Lori, the grandkids, and great grandkids. While Norma enjoyed the trips over the years, at the end of the day, her favorite place was at home. She thought she had wonderful neighbors. Her family is forever grateful for their love and thoughtfulness.

Ken and Norma had one daughter, Lori. Always having a love for kids, Norma was so happy to have a daughter and cherished her grandkids and great grandkids. Norma embraced her son-in-law, Phil, who did many helpful and sweet things for her for which she was so appreciative. Norma was very close to her siblings, and loved her entire extended family.

Norma will be remembered for her genuine care for others, ready smile, and a love of mint green, sparkle, and pretty things.

Norma is survived by her daughter Lori (Phil) Varlas; Grandsons Steven (Fiorella) Varlas and Ryan (Darra) Varlas; great-grandsons Aiden, Andrew, and Tyler and great-granddaughter, Sofia. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Ken Lisle; her parents, her sisters Doris, Phyllis, and Tina and her brother, Leonard. 

A celebration of life service with family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at the west Valley Church in Fruitland, Idaho.