Norma Drew Baysdorfer
Norma Drew Baysdorfer, 92, died on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Garden City Homestead Assisted Living in Garden City, Kansas. She was born February 1, 1933, in Syracuse, Kansas, the daughter of John Clarence & Elizabeth Ann (Nagel) Martin.
Norma grew up in Mullinville, Kansas where she attended schools. She later attended Brown Mackey College in Salina, Kansas. A longtime resident of Garden City, Norma previously lived in various places including Lake George, Colorado, Woodland Park, Colorado, and Mesa, Arizona. She married Charles Drew in Santa Fe, New Mexico on April 6, 1968, on his birthday. Charles died on December 1, 1993. Norma later married John Baysdorfer on June 1, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nevada. John died on May 15, 2020.
Norma was a member of the First Christian Church in Garden City; the Broadway Christian Church in Mesa, Arizona; a longtime member of the Finney County Historical Society; Fort Nightly; and Estralita. She enjoyed spending her time playing cards, dancing, swimming, roller skating, preparing wonderful meals for her family & friends, spending time at the zoo and she especially enjoyed her DQ Heath Blizzards hence the nickname “Grandma Blizzard.” One of her most memorable sayings was, “Tomorrow is another day and the sun will shine again.” She was never shy about reminding anyone to wash their hands and had a radiant smile that would light up any room. Anyone who knew Norma felt her warmness and joy for life. She had an undeniable presence about her and was known for her generosity and compassion for others.
Survivors include three children Steven Alfrey & wife Yvonne Sandoval of Ingalls, Kansas, Barbara Barnett of Garden City, Kansas, and Marc Drew of Wichita, Kansas; eight Grandchildren Jeremiah Alfrey, Sasha Barnett, Kali Barnett Gelazonia, Dylan Barnett, Jessica Alfrey Horne, Brooke Percival, Hannah Alfrey, Emily Alfrey; and five Great-Grandchildren Hudson Horne, Saylor Horne, Charlie Gelazonia, Gracie Mann and Evelynn Mann. Norma is preceded in death by her husband Charles Drew; and her husband John Baysdorfer; her parents; a son Thomas Alfrey; a son-in-law Charles “Charlie” Barnett; and two brothers Kenneth Martin, Elton Martin, & Vernon Martin.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time. There will be no calling hours. The family suggests memorials given to Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo or the Finney County Historical Society, both in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th St., Garden City, Kansas 67846. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.