It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Norma Jean (McNiel) Linard, age 84, announces the passing of our dear mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Bronson Battle Creek in Battle Creek, MI.
She was born May 12, 1930 in Watervliet, MI the daughter of Micky McNiel and Rhea (Ridgeway) McNiel.
She was a civil servant for the government working for over 20 years at the Battle Creek Federal Center and left work when her husband retired. She married John Robert Linard on September 5, 1983 in Angola, IN; however he preceded her in death on February 3, 2007. She had lived for about 20 years in Englewood, Florida; returning to Battle Creek in 2007.
Norma had attended Battle Creek Central High School and gone onto college at KCC. When she was younger she had attended the United Methodist Churches. She loved to cook and have family gather together. She enjoyed bowling and reading her Bible; and she was always passionate about her animals.
She is survived by two sons: Jeffery L. Sansom of Battle Creek, MI, Stephen & Rose Sansom of Englewood, FL; one brother: Jerry McNiel of Rotunda West, FL; seven grandchildren: Dawn & Chad Smith of Battle Creek, MI; Bradley & Megan Sansom of Battle Creek, MI; Nicholas & Christie Sansom of Port Huron, MI;
Jordan Manuilow of Port Huron, MI; Miranda Sansom of Bay City, MI; Mason & Nicole Sansom of Grand Rapids, MI; Mark Sansom of Battle Creek, MI; and thirteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, and her brother Micky McNiel, Jr. in 1995.

Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Friday, March 6, 2015 from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM where the family will be present. Funeral services conducted by Rev. Dr. Robert L. Zuhl of the First Wesleyan Church on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 10:30 AM in the Bachman Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145. Please leave a remembrance of Norma Linard on her web page at www.bachmanhebble.com