We lost a farm wife today. This one hurts really deep, all the way to the heart. You see, this farm wife was ours. Norma Lee Bigger passed this morning with her children, Randy and Peggy, by her side. Over the last week, there have been many memories shared of her. She was born June 22, 1929 near Middlegrove, IL, the daughter of Earl and Ethel Bliss Dikeman, and passed away Monday, May 4, 2026 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst, IL.
As a young woman she married the love of her life, Reldon Bigger. Together, they forged a life built on respect, trust, and love! The two of them bought this farm. She worked in the fields and was truly a farm wife. They did without in those early years, eating a lot of goulash and bananas. They were cheap and filling. She always had a big garden and canned and put up the products of her labor. She raised two children that will tell you she was the best Mom ever. She could do it all in their eyes!! She was so wonderful at mending a shirt, a skinned knees, or a broken heart. She was always there!! Guarding them, defending them, protecting them, loving them. And, they loved her back. Then there are her Grandchildren that all thought Grandma was wonderful. They would ask for their favorites, monkey bread, cinnamon rolls, soup with dough balls, and those famous chocolate chip cookies.
All the family, friends, and neighbors loved those chocolate chip cookies. She won with them at the fair years ago. She gave that recipe of hers to anyone and everyone that asked, even putting it in a village cook book.
She was true and faithful servant to her God. She worried and prayed for all that she felt needed a little help from above. She served on about every church board and was a great supporter of her church until she could no longer attend.
We are deeply saddened by her loss, but are so joyful for her. She is now with Reldon, her love of so many years. Rest well and smile down upon us all, because we will all be smiling up and holding your love in our hearts!!
Norma enjoyed baking, family gatherings, farm work, gardening, and most of all, her grandchildren. She had worked as a cook at the Media School and later served as Postmaster of the Media Post Office. While working at the Post Office, she enjoyed the visits from the Media children and residents. She was named Chapter Mother for FHA in 1979. In 1987, she was proud to be named “Farm Woman Of The Year”. As mentioned earlier, she was known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies, and her popcorn balls which were given out to trick of treaters at Halloween. She was a member of the Media United Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include two children, Randy (Paula) Bigger and Peggy McNitt, both of Media, five grandchildren, Travis Bigger, Ryan Bigger, Cody Bigger, Nikki (Wes) Bellinger, Kaley (Chad) Eversgerd, several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, and one sister, Rosa Simkins of Knoxville, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reldon, and siblings, Bernice Bowers, Glen Dikeman, Norma Dikeman, Robert Dikeman, Carol Mae Mendenhall, Roletta Mottaz, and Virginia Pruett.
Friends may call as they desire from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Banks & Beals, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery near Media. A memorial fund has been established for the Media United Presbyterian Church. Please visit Norma’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
