SPRUCE HEAD — Norma J. Rackliff, 91, died peacefully in her sleep, Monday, September 12, 2022. Born in Warren, May 31, 1931, she was the daughter of George and Doris Wincapaw Ranquist. Educated locally, Norma attended Warren Schools.

On March 5, 1947, she married Alvin B. Rackliff in Rockland. Together they built their home, where they raised their family of six children and made many lasting memories.

Norma was always a hard worker. Growing up during the depression, she learned to make what she needed and do what needed to be done. She was a woman who knew how to work the land, use its bounty, and make the best out of anything she had. She was always willing to do whatever it took to make sure her family was well cared for and fed. Norma was strong with a fiercely independent spirit, and she loved the people in her life just as fiercely as she lived. Family was her number one priority in life. Her children remember with fondness the sound of her ringing the dinner bell on the porch and hollering “Supper” to gather them back home each evening.

She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

She loved the home they built together, and especially enjoyed tending the farm. She was happiest when feeding her animals, milking the cows, riding her horses, canning vegetables from her large gardens, harvesting
honey from her beehives, or making maple syrup and butter. Norma was one of the first women in the area to lobster, which she did off and on throughout her life. Later in life she enjoyed going with her daughter, Dolly, and her faithful co-pilot, her Aussie, Nellie, on their boat the Sea Hag. All animals had a special place in Norma’s heart, but she was especially fond of the Australian Shepherds she owned over the years.

Norma was an accomplished knitter, knitting heads for lobster traps, and many socks and mittens for her family. She was an avid cook, with her specialty being her home baked beans and bread, which she served every Saturday night up until she passed.

Predeceased by her husband; a stepdaughter, Bonnie DeWolfe; two sons, Lanny B. “Russ” Rackliff, Bradley “Butch” Rackliff; a daughter, Brenda “Jane” Llera; her siblings Vernon Ranquist and Marilyn Turner.

Norma is survived by her children, Elaine ‘Dolly’ Taylor and her husband Steven, Sandra ‘Bunny’ Vose and her husband Ron; Dennis ‘Bub’ Rackliff and his wife Patricia; a daughter-in-law Juliann Rackliff all of Spruce Head; several grandchildren, including, Carrie Overlock and her husband Ben of Warren and Katey Taylor of Spruce Head with whom she shared a special bond; many great-grandchildren including Max Overlock, who enjoyed helping his “Nana” take care of his “Ninny” on Saturday’s; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews including Kim Smith, who was a special part of Norma’s care-giving team; and her beloved dog Bailey.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A graveside celebration of her life will be held Friday, September 30, 2022, at 11 a.m., at Ocean View Cemetery, Rt. 73, South Thomaston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with the Rackliff family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.