Norma Ruth Staten Projects Coordinator, Assistant Principle, Teacher, 89 Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009 11:42 AM CST Norma Ruth Staten, a 67-year resident of California and a 29-year resident of Yucca Valley, died Dec. 9, 2009, at home. She was 89 years old. The daughter of Elmer Shepardson and Rose E. Morris-Shepardson, she was born Aug. 5, 1920, in Beatrice, Neb. The holder of a master's degree in education, Mrs. Staten was a coordinator of special projects, an assistant principle and a resource teacher with Morongo Unified School District for 17 years before she retired. She was a member of PEO, Delta Kappa Gamma and Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. An artist and gardener, she also was a world traveler. She was married to John P. Staten for 44 years; he preceded her in death in 1984. Mrs. Staten is survived by son John Staten of Yucca Valley; sons and daughters-in-law Gregg and Sue Staten of Aguanga and Brad and Dorothy Staten of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandchildren Jesse and Travis Staten of Georgia, John, Meagan and Dustin Staten of Las Vegas, Nev., and Torrie Estrada of Heber; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at Desert Hill Presbyterian Church, 56750 Mountain View Trail. Pastor Luke Jones will officiate.