RUTLAND — Norma J. Hezlep, 52, of Rutland passed away at 9:24 a.m. Friday (April 30, 2010) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Minonk, after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born on June 24, 1957, in Pontiac, a daughter of Jesse and Frankie Thomas Lambert.

She is survived by her lifelong companion and love of her life of 22 years, Frank Miller of Rutland; one daughter, Marie Gerdes McKissick of Phoenix, Ariz.; her mother, Frankie Lambert of Minonk; three sisters, Barbara (Perry) Pitcock of Bowling Green, Ky.; Martha (Terry) Pitcock of Rutland; and Mary (Jerry) Moore of Dana; two grandchildren, Emma and Aedan McKissick; one niece, Krissy Pitcock; three nephews, Andy Pitcock, Thomas Moore and Jeffrey Moore; two great-nephews, Tanner Nodine and Noah Pitcock; one maternal aunt, Margaret Cusac of Toluca; and one paternal uncle, Roy Lambert of Brookfield, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her father and her paternal and maternal grandparents.

Norma attended M-D-R High School. She was previously employed by the Peoria Journal Star and the IRS in Bloomington.

She was an avid gardener and scrapbooker. She adored her pets and being with people.

She was a loving partner, mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed.

Her next biggest love after her family was being on the road with Frank, going anywhere.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Minonk. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m.  Monday at the funeral home. According to her wishes, she will be cremated following services.

Memorial contributions in Norma’s name may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society, 21179 N. 1350 E. St., Pontiac, IL 61764. Online condolences may be sent to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.