Norma J Phipps
Norma Joan (Holstrum) Phipps, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in Garretson, South Dakota. Born on July 25, 1933 in Stanhope, Iowa, Norma lived a life marked by creativity, resilience, and unwavering faith.
Norma graduated from Stanhope High School in 1950. During her school years, she was known for playing basketball, drumming in the school band, and delighting classmates with her caricature drawings. Her natural rapport with people was evident even then. She later completed the Dale Carnegie Courses in Business Leadership, which further developed her business and sales skills.
In 1968, after moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Norma launched her own business-Fashion Two-Twenty Cosmetics. With hard work and savvy, she grew her sales team to more than 200 consultants. After selling the business, she remained active in the workforce as a college recruiter and in furniture sales. At age 62, she joyfully retired to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren.
Norma's creative spirit found expression in many forms-drawing, painting, floral arranging, and cake decorating. She had a special gift for teaching children. With warmth and imagination, she brought Bible stories to life during Sunday School lessons. Her love for children was most vividly seen in the joyful and whimsical memories she created with her grandchildren. Every visit to Grandma's brought new fun and adventure.
In the late 1970's, Norma gave her life to Jesus as Lord and Savior-a decision that shaped the rest of her journey. She became a devoted student of the Bible and a vibrant Sunday School teacher. Most notably, she was a fervent prayer warrior who lifted up family members during their most difficult times with steadfast faith.
Norma is lovingly remembered by her children: Laura (Joel) Clark of Dell Rapids, SD; Lisa Magnuson of Baltic, SD; Kevin (Kristen) Phipps of Sioux Falls, SD; and Corwin Phipps of Cathedral City, CA. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Sarah Clark, Aaron Clark, Andrew (Abby) Clark, Moriah Hernandez, Olivia Phipps, Ethan (Kas) Magnuson, Hannah (Devin) VanBallegooyen, Samuel Clark, and Lydia Magnuson; as well as three step-grandchildren: Shaun Evans, Katie (Ryan) Shipp, and Trevor (Sam) Evans. Norma was also blessed with five great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brother Gary (Jan) Holstrum and sister-in-law Nancy Holstrum.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Marie Holstrum; her brother Marlowe Holstrum; and her niece Shannon (Holstrum) Larson.
Norma will be remembered for her beautiful smile, for her warm heart, and for her incredible outlook of gratitude. Her legacy is one of creativity and love-a life richly blessed.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Palisades Healthcare Center for their loving kindness and excellent care of Norma over the past 8 years. We are grateful, also, to Moments Hospice for making her final days and our grief journey more comfortable.