Norma Ann Maring

Norma Ann Breiner Maring, age 91, of Chanute, KS and Lexington, MO, went to be with the Lord and with her husband Keith on March 2, 2025 surrounded by her boys.

Norma was born October 1, 1933 in Neosho County, KS to Edward S. and Anna A. (Friederich) Breiner. She grew up in Chanute and was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and attended St. Patrick 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 their 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, FL; Steve (Elena) Maring of San Diego, CA; Scot (Heather) Maring of Eagle, ID; and Ron (Virginia) Maring of Osawatomie, KS; along with honorary son, Randy (Sue) Kuhn of Blue Ridge Summit, PA. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She is 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 Maring family would like to thank the staff at Vintage Park at Osawatomie for the exceptional love and care they gave our Mother.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 am Friday, March 7, 2025 at St Patrick Catholic Church in Chanute, Kansas. The rosary will be prayed 6 pm Thursday, March 6 at the Church followed by visitation until 8 pm. Burial will be in the St Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested Vintage Park at Osawatomie Activity Fund or St Patrick Catholic School of Chanute.  Online condolences can be left at www.eddybirchard.com.  

The link for St Patrick Catholic Church’s YouTube channel to stream the service is below

https://tinyurl.com/SPMassLive