Norma Jean Boles of Helena died Saturday morning October 28, 2023 at St. Peter's Hospital following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 80 years old. Norma was born on June 21, 1943, in Sidney, Montana to Winnifred (Jones) and Gene Olson. She graduated with the class of 1961 from Sidney Senior High and began studying nursing at Carrol College in 1962. She paused her studies briefly to grieve the death of her beloved Grandfather Johnny Jones. Norma, resuming her studies and being awarded a PEO Scholarship, graduated from Montana State University in 1969 with a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. Norma worked across the state as a registered nurse capping her career in Helena as the Health Services Manager for the Montana Department of Corrections. Norma loved what she did and worked hard and effectively to make those for whom she worked proud. She was ever cognizant of her responsibilities to the State of Montana and state government. Norma met her future husband, Forrest "Buck" Boles, at a wedding dance in Richey, MT. After an extended courtship, the two were married in Helena on April 1, 1978. The couple loved to entertain and share their home with their extensive family of friends.

Norma Jean loved dogs, especially Golden Retrievers. After losing Buck in 1992, she focused her love on her pets. To say her love of animals was immense would be an understatement. When she wasn't walking her dog on Mount Helena, she was volunteering at the Holter Museum, the Helena Symphony or serving on the board of the Helena Housing Authority. Norma will be remembered as a fun, kind, and caring person who touched the hearts of all who knew her. Her warm spirit and joyful presence will be deeply missed. Norma was preceded in death by her mother Winnifred (Jones) McGraw, husband Forrest Boles, her Golden Retrievers Adamus and Benvolio, and her American Eskimo Maria. Norma is survived by a stepdaughter Lesa Tew, two grandchildren Travis Tew and Stacy Roznowski, three great grandchildren, numerous cousins and her American Eskimo dog Stormy. Internment will take place at a later date in Columbarium at the Sidney Cemetery under the direction of the Fulkerson Funeral Home of Sidney. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local animal shelter in Norma's honor.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Holter Museum of Art at 2 PM.

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.