Norma Jean Rittal

Norma Jean Rittal, 101, of Northwood, ND, (formerly of Grand Forks) passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood, ND. 

Norma Heazlett was born on a farm at Glasston, ND on January 15, 1918 to Thomas Heazlett and Eva McIntyre Heazlett. Her elementary education was in a rural school, Nevins District No.90, in Pembina county. She graduated from Central High School Grand Forks, ND.

She was employed several years in the identification Division of the FBI in Washington, DC. Due to ill health she returned to North Dakota and became one of the first women station agent telegraphers for the Great Northern Railway and Burlington Northern. She took a leave of absence from Burlington Northern and was employed by Amtrak. She retired from the Lead Ticket Position with Amtrak in Grand Forks, ND having a total of 37 years of railroad service.

She vividly recalled her third railroad position, being sent to Lakota, ND in August 1945 when the Michigan train wreck occurred between Michigan and Lakota. The second section of the Great Northern Empire Builder rammed the first section, killing 34 people The dead and injured were brought to Lakota and Devils Lake.

Norma married Edwin Rittal in 1948. They resided at Westhope, ND later moving to Auburn, ND and Manvel, ND where Norma served as station agent.

She was active in many organizations and enjoyed writing as a hobby. She was fortunate to have some writings and poetry published nationally. Her nieces and nephews especially remember her Easter parties.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband;  infant daughter, Jean; brothers, Warren, Frank, Dale, Richard and John Heazlett and sisters, Marion (Earl) Littlejohn and Helen (James) Robinson.

She is survived by a sister, Beverly(Gerald) Oby, Rice, MN;  sister-in-laws, Eline Heazlett, Lakefield, MN and Lucille Heazlett, Everett, WA and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service: 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Amundson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Inurnment: Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton, ND.