*Those attending services to honor Norma will be required to wear a facemask and adhere to physical distancing guidelines at the mandate of the Governor and Mayor. Services can be viewed via live broadcast at the following link: Arnett Live Broadcast
Norma Perkins Arnett, a 94-year-old native of Arizona, passed away July 20, 2020. She was born in Chandler, AZ on December 7, 1925 to Jesse N. and Mabel S. Perkins. Her family moved to Mesa when she was 5 years old, where she attended Mesa Public Schools. She graduated from Mesa High School in 1944. Norma was an accomplished pianist and organist, having played piano in various dance bands throughout the valley for over 50 years. She also served many years in the LDS church as ward and stake organist.
She is survived by a son, Dennis (Karen), a daughter, Laurel (Darrell) and numerous grand, great, and great-great, grandchildren. Norma is also survived by a brother, Roy Perkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd “Bud” Arnett, a son, Craig, a daughter Susan and grandson’s Brandon Arnett and Matthew Ellsworth. Funeral services will be held at Bunker Funeral Home, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa AZ 85201 at 10:00 am. There will be a viewing one hour preceding the services. Interment will immediately follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.
Due to Covid-19 we are limited to 49 people which have already been counted with close family members. We are so sorry for the inconvenience. It will be livestreamed the day of the service for those of you that cannot attend.
Until I the 4th grade, when the family moved away, Norma, lived across from us on Broadway Rd., in Mesa. I spent a lot of time in her home because Dennie was one of my best friends. I always thought she was one of the classiest and prettiest adult women I knew. After the family moved, I had almost no contact with her, until my wife (Jill) and I moved to Alta Mesa, 5 years ago. Norma welcomed us into the ward, and I had a number of conversations about her family, my family and various other topics, as we would see each other at our church meetings. I appreciated so much that she reached out to me and always expressed interest in me and my wife. I was amazed that at age 90 she was still playing the organ for Sacrament meetings. To Dennie and Laurel (and Roy and the rest of the Perkins and Arnett family members), my condolences. Your family has had a good and positive influence on my life. I am grateful to have known Norma and that I had the opportunity to become reacquainted with her.
So very sorry to hear about your mother, I’m sure she will be missed by you and your.
My earliest friendship with Norma began when I was a teenager, we lived on the same street and I babysat her 3 oldest. Many years later we renewed that friendship when she moved into Alta Mesa and we became Visiting Teaching Partners. In addition to that we shared so many fun times, lunches (she loved Taco Bell and Applebees),shopping, life experiences, recipes and laughs. I so enjoyed her great piano and organ talent. She could play any song that was requested without the sheet music. I am sure that she has had a wonderful reunion with her loved ones. I loved Norma and am so grateful to have been her friend.
May I briefly speak for the Class of ’44. Mesa Union High School. Norma was one of the outstanding members of the class and continued to be so even until just recently when about 12 of us (also members of the class) decided that at our age we should use our best judgment and give up our monthly luncheons. We will miss her immensely!
My condolence to the family. I knew Norma from the care home where my parents resided. I could always get her to play the piano and she knew EVERY song and played it by memory! Wow! Another one of the residence would dance while she played. What a beautiful sight it always was and I always enjoyed spending time with the residence at the lunch table. Norma would always say “did you bring cookies”?
We were blessed to first meet and get to know Norma at her care home. What an absoulte delight of a woman she was. Being modest, she would shy away from playing a tune for us on the piano, but being gracious she could be convinced… and oh what joy that brought us. Her wit at the dinner table, her warm countenance, her grace and charm… she blessed those around her. We will deeply miss Normal… sweet Norma.
Although we were NOT related to Norma, she was AUNT NORMA to the Parker Family! She was truly REMARKABLE in so many ways. She was such a class act, and I think had a fabulous sense of humor too!!! I worked with Norma in a lot of musical productions – as a consummate music professional she was a dream to work with. She accompanied my children in a plethora of events – and they would all say, “it was as if Norma had her finger on your heartbeat”, she accompanied so well. She was also extremely humble about what a gifted musician she was – many are not like that. I never ceased to be in AWE of her gifts. She was also deeply spiritual and committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ! She was NOT someone who would give talks, or pray, or answer the questions in class – but she NEVER missed a meeting, she always was serving, she was always attentive and interested to every word, which is a testimony that we do not have to be a high-profile member to be a committed disciple! Norma was KIIND to our Family! Never at anytime did I feel judged or not welcomed by her. Also, inspite of the extremely tragic losses in her life she never wore her suffering on her sleeve – she endured the loss and pain with a refined dignity. She was a delight to our family and seem to light up whenever greeting us! She had the most remarkable life and biography, but was gracious, and unassuming! She will be at the top of my list of people I want to see again in heaven!