Norma Rose Schoonover | News, Sports, Jobs – Marquette Mining Journal
Mar 19, 2022
KALAMAZOO, MI – Norma Rose Schoonover, age 90, passed away on March 12th, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
Norma was born in Bedford, Indiana, to Thornton and Alice Henderson on June 6th, 1931. Following graduation from Utica High School in 1950, she married William “Bill” Schoonover. Over their 70 years of marriage, they had 6 children. In 1953, Billy Graham came to Detroit on an Evangelistic Crusade. Norma and Bill went several times and both accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This was the beginning of a life of service as Bill became a Pastor and Norma a very active pastor’s wife. Bill became a Methodist Pastor with appointments from Lower Michigan to Georgia and the Upper Peninsula. Norma did many jobs to help the family, from Dickinson County Board Secretary, Marquette County Manpower Administrator, to doing the books for Carter Children Clothing Company, all while managing school age kids and being active in the church. Norma was an active prayer warrior who believed in the power of prayer. She prayed daily for all her children, grandchildren, relatives, and those who needed or asked for prayer. When Bill passed in December 2020, Norma missed her husband, companion, and spiritual partner of 70 years. All through their many years they believed in giving back as the Bible says and Norma’s favorite quote was, “You can not out give God. Try it and you will receive more blessings than you gave.”
Norma is survived by her children: Bill (Lynda) Schoonover Jr., Alice Crookham, Ruth Burby, Anna (Mel) Laurila, and Deb (Russ) Hanstein.
In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill”; her son, Thomas; and siblings: Pat, Bill, Kay, Bob, and Bonnie.
A memorial service is being planned for Memorial Day weekend in Norway, Michigan. Visit Norma’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com, to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.
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