Norma Jean Schneider, 78, of Wabash, IN passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by family, on April 30, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Merlin Funderburg. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of nearly 59 years, Dr. George Schneider, sister, Marcia (Ron) Evilsizor of Delaware, Ohio, son Kirt (Kimberly) Schneider of Indian Trail, NC, daughter Monica Schneider (Eric Ziegler) of Fishers, IN, and daughter-in-law Deborah Gregg of LaFontaine, IN, grandchildren, Logan (Ashlynn) Schneider of Richmond, IN, and Allison (Hunter) Frazier of Wingate, IN, grandchildren Abby Schneider and Max Ziegler, and great grandchildren, Adleigh and Ainsleigh Schneider.
Norma was born November 3, 1944, to Wilmer and Rachel Funderburg in Springfield, OH. A strong work ethic came from growing up on a dairy farm, and it was on the family farm that Norma learned the art of being a homemaker who blossomed through her sewing, food preservation, and cooking. Norma had a strong love for God and attended numerous church-related functions throughout her lifetime. It was on a church bus trip to Washington, D.C., in 1959 where George first spotted Norma, and they began a long-distance love story. They were married on June 20, 1964, and their marriage was one of a perfect partnership where Norma was able to support George while he pursued his career goals.
In the houses they shared throughout their marriage, Norma and George always had a project underway, and Norma put in the hard work to make those spaces truly feel like home. Throughout a portion of their time in Williamston, Michigan, she was a cosmetologist, and opened her own shop, Norma’s Country Curl, where she provided beautician services and free counsel for over 11 years. In 1986, Norma and George moved to their dream property in Wabash, IN, where she thrived in her new role as both a farm wife and homemaker. Norma spent much of her time outside, managing the day-to-day operations of the production-scale hog farm, and working in their massive gardens. Holidays were always a special time for Norma, who loved to put out decorations and prepare delicious home cooked meals, never expecting help from anyone. Norma’s greatest treasure in life was her family, and she provided them with love, warmth, and security. She was the heartbeat of the Schneider family and left a legacy that will carry forward for generations.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wabash Church of the Brethren where Norma attended for over 30 years. Please join her family at 645 Bond Street in Wabash, IN on June 10, 2023, from 1-4 pm, and share your stories with them as they remember the special woman who touched so many lives.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Norma Jean Schneider, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.