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Norma Ann Breiner Maring, 91, of Chanute and Lexington, Missouri, went to be with the Lord and with her husband, Keith, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, surrounded by her boys.
Norma was born Oct. 1, 1933, in Neosho County to Edward S. and Anna A. (Friederich) Breine. She grew up in Chanute and was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Chanute High School.
She led two complimentary lives, each filled with love and dedication to her communities. As Mrs. Maring, she was a beloved member of the Lexington community, with a special connection to Wentworth Military Academy. Her presence and contributions were cherished by all who knew her in Lexington. She was “Mom” to thousands of cadets at the Wentworth Military Academy and served in many roles. For her 57 years of service and devotion, the alumni building was named The Norma Maring Alumni House.
In Chanute, she was known to all as Norma, where she made a significant impact through her more than 50 years of involvement with the Chanute Municipal Swimming Pool. Her dedication to the community, her warm spirit and huge smile made her a beloved figure in Chanute. She managed the pool in Chanute for more than 50 years, taught countless kids how to swim and trained many to be lifeguards. The city of Chanute named its new swimming pool The Maring Aquatic Center.
Of all her accomplishments, she cherished being a mother to her sons the most. Her love, guidance and unwavering support were the cornerstone of their lives, and her legacy will live on through them.
Norma is survived by four sons, Stan (Connie) Maring of Palm Coast, Florida, Steve (Elena) Maring of San Diego, California, Scot (Heather) of Eagle, Idaho, and Ron (Virginia) Maring of Osawatomie; along with honorary son, Randy (Sue) Kuhn of Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Maring; her parents, Edward and Anna Breiner; a brother, Orville Breiner; and a sister, Iva Breiner Harner.
The rosary will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, and will be followed by a visitation until 8 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Chanute. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Activities Fund at The Vintage Park at Osawatomie and/or St. Patrick’s Catholic School of Chanute in honor of Norma’s memory.
