Norma E. Whitmore

Norma Eileen Whitmore, age 93, of Delta, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at Swanton Health Care & Retirement Center. She was born May 11, 1920 in Toledo, Ohio to the late John and Addie (Burt) Hawkins.

Norma met her husband, Harold H. Whitmore, before he left for the service and they corresponded the entire time he was overseas. While he was gone, she got an associates degree from Bowling Green State University in Medical Technology. After college, she worked as a medical technologist at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. When Harold returned home, they were married October 16, 1945 at Wilkins Evangelical Church, Swanton, Ohio.

Norma loved painting landscapes and was accomplished with oils, acrylics and watercolor. After her husband’s death, Norma started a chalk art ministry and for about 10 years traveled locally to different churches and organizations with her chalk presentation that had a “hidden picture” seen only under black light.

Norma also ministered with Teen Missions International and worked mainly as a cook with the Boot Camp phase of the program. She also participated in a mission trip to Haiti and was a cook for that team. She worked for years with migrant farm workers, teaching bible classes in their summer camp on Co. Rd. K. Norma was a lifelong student of the Scriptures and taught many bible classes and Sunday School classes. Even as a resident of Swanton Health Care, she was able, for a time, to hold weekly bible studies. Norma was a longtime, faithful member of Brailey Union Church, and she loved the Lord with all her heart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Harold; daughter, Sharon; sister, Rachel Quay; and granddaughter, Kathy. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Harold (Sandi) Whitmore, of Metamora, OH, Kathryn (Richard) Karr of Liberty Center, OH, Karen (Roger) Cooley of Swanton, OH, and Charles “Chip” (Judy) Whitmore of Wauseon, OH; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and sister, Gertrude House.

Family and friends may visit Thursday, September 26th from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton (419.826.2631). Funeral services will be held Friday, September 27th at 11:00 a.m. in the Funeral Home with her grandson, Pastor Troy Cummins officiating. Interment will follow at East Swanton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brailey Union Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Residence: Delta, Ohio

Visitation: Thursday, September 26th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Funeral Services: Friday, September 27th at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home

Interment: East Swanton Cemetery