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Norma Jean Hamblen

Jun. 14, 1935 - Sep. 19, 2024

Date of Service: Sep. 28, 2024

BURLEY – Norma “Jean” Curtis Hamblen, longtime Burley resident, died Thursday, September 19, 2024. She was 89.

Jean was born June 14, 1935, in Burley, Idaho, the first daughter to parents, Burdell Taylor and Norma Sidwell Curtis. She attended school in Declo, Idaho, until the 6th grade, before moving to Burley, where she graduated in 1955. Jean furthered her education at the University of Utah as a member of Alpha Phi sorority, and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1957. She returned to Burley with her husband, Robert, after graduation.

Jean met Robert D Hamblen in 8th grade, and began their relationship in college while both were living in Salt Lake City. They were married August 31, 1955, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and enjoyed 61 wonderful years together traveling, seeing plays, and attending concerts. The two of them purchased the Mayfair clothing store in 1970, expanding it to include The Celler Men’s Shop in 1975, and adding International Travel in 1982.

In 1968, Jean began her teaching career at Southwest Elementary School where she taught-half day 4th grade for one year. She then changed to 1st grade, where she stayed for 32 years, finding her passion in teaching children to read. Jean finished her career at Mountain View Elementary, but she never truly stopped teaching. She helped her grandchildren and great-grandchildren learn to read, and continued to buy herself school supplies of pencils, red pens, crayons, and sticky notes every year. Jean was highly involved in education, and held positions as the president of the National Education Association and on the NEA negotiating team for many years.

Outside of school, Jean held memberships with the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Friends of the Library, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Book Club. She loved scrapbooking, reading, teaching, coloring, knitting dishcloths, and spending time with family, especially on girl’s trips to Cannon Beach, where she said she always felt her best.

Jean was very active in her church, where she was Junior Sunday School president, and a teacher in Junior Sunday School, Relief Society, and Primary (a position she enjoyed very much and was sad to retire from when the time came). She was the music coordinator for many years. She was also a visiting teacher and later, a ministering sister. Jean had a strong testimony of her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Those surviving her include: children, Amy Blauer of Declo and Robb Hamblen of Burley; four grandchildren, Sarah (Cody) Somsen of Declo, Matthew (Cheyann) Blauer of Declo, Emily (Patrick) Misner of Boise, and Jackie Hamblen of Boise; nine great-grandchildren, Jenicka, Jaren, Ty, Taylon, Brooklin, Jaxton, Gatlin, Gavin, and Elliot; four great-great-grandchildren, Addie, Hadley, Ariat, and Lucas; sister, Lynn Logan of Castle Rock, Colorado; niece, Heidi Sorenson; and nephew, Jason Thornton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, LeAnn Sorenson; and her son-in-law, Duane Blauer.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Avenue, in Burley, with Bishop Cade Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, September 27, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, at the church, preceding the funeral.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/ohMsyrwPoyU.

Listen to the Service:

Condolences for Norma Jean Hamblen

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Troy Langer:

Sorry for your loss robbie

From JJ and Amanda St. Marie:

We loved your Mom/Grandma Jean. She was so full of life. We loved our visits with her this summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

From Maria Fuentes (Sanchez):

Mrs. Humbleness, was a great teacher, and a very sweet lady. Her student, Marie.

From Arca Osterhout :

Jean has so many great stories from a life well lived. She is such a sweet, kind, and loving lady! I just loved your grandma, Jean—blessings from the Osterhout family.

From Nancy Hanks:

I loved working with Sister Hamblen for many years as 3rd ward's Music Coordinator. She was always so willing to help and so positive. What a truly dedicated soul.

From Lottie Hurst:

Sending prayers of love and comfort to the family,I always enjoyed my visits with Jean and Robert, loved all the music they provided us with ,

From Lisa Hanks :

I absolutely adored Jean. I LOVED her perspective on life. She had me laughing and crying, mostly laughing all the time as we talked about our journey here on earth. She was most definitely sent to earth to be a teacher. She taught me so much through the years. Every week for years we would sit and look out the window at some sunflowers growing across the street. We watched them come alive in the spring. Cheer us up in the summer and close up to rest in the winter. She appreciated every season. Not so much winter but we always came up with happy thoughts and affirmations to get us through the cold. I went for a walk along the canal bank. As I was walking past a bunch of sunflowers they seemed to call to me. I always joked with her and told her she better come back and give me a sign that all this talk about heaven is true. And there, amongst the sunflowers was my beautiful friend. Keeping her word. What a blessing she was here on earth. I will miss you so much.

From Leslie S Hunter:

I have so many wonderful memories of the fun times, the laughs and sometimes the tears we shared together. Jean, I am so thankful to have had you in my life. Love you my dear friend, til we meet again. Leslie S. Hunter

From Kathy Merrell:

I will miss Jean because she was always there for me when I needed someone. She was truly a person of great faith in her Heavenly Father no matter what was happening in her life. She loved teaching, especially children. She will be missed.

From Dianna Prescott :

Just thinking about Jean makes me smile. She was a truly elect woman: spunky, intelligent, authentic, and a joy to those she loved. I didn’t meet Jean until after she had retired from teaching, however my children and I will never forget her “teacher heart”. You will be remembered and missed sweet friend

From Michae:

sorry for your loss Rob

From Cindy Jones:

Taught with Jean for many years at Mt. View after Southwest and Overland merged. Had so much respect and affection for her as a Colleague, friend and person. God speed and best wishes on your reuniting with Robert.

From Sanie Baker:

I’ve enjoyed associating with Jean throughout the years and in Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a wonderful 1st grade teacher for my daughter and gave her a positive start to her education.

From Brenda Hamilton:

Jean was a very dear friend to me. I love the fact that she was always wanting to learn new things. I appreciate and love the time we’ve had together through the years. I will miss her.

From Lane Baker:

Jean was such a fun person to visit with. I loved comparing teaching stories. She was always fun mo matter im what company. She will be dearly missed by the Bakers.

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