Norma Mae Maynard, 61, was last seen in Boone, Iowa, on February 3, 1979, just weeks after her husband of 30 years died. She lived with her adult son, who reported her missing. He said she left a note saying she was going to Los Angeles to get away for a while and would eventually be in touch, and that she asked not to be searched.

Several details undermine the voluntary-departure story. Norma left important items behind, including her checkbook and jewelry, and made no withdrawals from her bank account. A Greyhound employee later said a woman matching her description boarded a bus to Los Angeles, but that sighting was uncertain because Norma had no ties in California and rarely traveled alone. A check signed in her name paid for her husband’s funeral, and authorities believed the signature matched her handwriting.

Suspicion has focused on her son, though he has denied wrongdoing and police have not named him a suspect. Norma was declared legally dead in 1986. Does anyone have memories of Norma in Boone in early 1979 or information about possible sightings after February 3?