Norma Jean Schroeder

NORMA JEAN ERVIN SCHROEDER, 95 , of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 11:45 am on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Casa De La Luz Hospice in Tucson, Arizona .

She was born to the late William Henry and Louella Firth (nee Barwell) Ervin on May 26, 1921 in Cutler, Perry County, Illinois.  She was the youngest of two daughters.

Norma was raised in the United Presbyterian Church and received her education in Illinois and Kansas.

After finishing high school in Kansas she lived in Chester, Illinois.  She was chosen the first Queen of the Popeye Picnic.  She also served as the Grand Marshal of the parade in 1997.

She married Jacob Francis Schroeder, son of Charles and Sophie Ahlers Schroeder, on September 12, 1942 in Pinckneyville, Illinois.  They made their home in Douglas, Arizona.

Norma modeled for several clothing stores in Douglas which lead to the ownership of La Boutique Dress Shop until her retirement in 1986.  She was an ardent gardener, collected antiques and embroidered quilts.  After living in Arizona for 50 years she purchased a home in Chester, Illinois and moved there on May 1, 1991.  Due to a fall in her backyard in 2004, which resulted in a fractured hip, she moved back to Arizona to be closer to her daughters and often remarked “They are my life.”

Survivors:

2 Daughters:    Debra Adele (Forrest “Deek”) Smith     Evergreen, CO

Pamela Ann (Dave) Hendrickson          Tucson, AZ

3 Grandchildren:  Stacy Davis                                           Colorado

Cindy Riordan                                       Colorado

Todd (Kristi) Contreras                         California

4 Great Grandchildren:  Dustin Davis

Ty Davis

Carson Kavathas

Lauren Contreras

1 Great-Great Grandchild: Claire Annabelle Davis

1 Niece:                             Susan Miller (Tom) Crowder

Preceded in death by :    Parents, 1 Sister – Elizabeth Ervin Miller and 2 Half- Brothers – Clifford and Glenn Barwell

Celebration of Life Farewell: 11:00 am, Friday, July 15, 2016

Mausoleum at Evergreen Cemetery, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: Rev. Tim McIntyre

Entombment: Evergreen Cemetery

Chester, Illinois

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life farewell.