Norma Schaefer

Norma Faye Schaefer

BELLVILLE: For Norma Schaefer compassion was a verb. Her sense of humor, love for music, and desire to serve others motivated her to embrace each moment with contentment and to remain focused on the many blessings in her life.

On January 2, 2014, Norma Faye Schaefer peacefully passed away at home. She was 83.

Norma was born December 25, 1930, in Apple Creek, the daughter of Harold and Ina (Johnson) Hackett, and was graduated from Apple Creek High School.

Norma retired as a purchasing agent from Richland Hospital. She also worked as a nurses' aide at the Bellville Elementary and helped in the school's library. Norma served as treasurer for the former Bellville Swim Club.

Known for her country style cooking, Norma's homemade stew and pies were family favorites. Norma once said, "The best crust is made with lard." Her precision and attention to detail were not only tasted in her food, but in the way she manicured her flower gardens and lawn as well. Receiving compliments on how well groomed her flower gardens looked, Norma took pride in doing things right. When she mowed, it was always in straight lines and in alternating direction. Norma appreciated the beauty of cardinals and enjoyed collecting cardinal figurines.

A sports fan, Norma preferred watching football and NASCAR. She could get lost in a good book, especially Stephen King novels.

A member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bellville, Norma served as past choir director. She enjoyed the beautiful harmony of barbershop quartets and sang as a member of the Sweet Adelines.

She will be remembered for her sense of humor and compassionate heart.

Norma is survived by her husband Bill Schaefer, whom she married July 5, 1984; sons Ted (Patti) Garber of Pacific, CA, Nelson (Dona) Garber of Mansfield and Grant (Janet) Garber of Monroe, MI; step children Jeff (Jill) Schaefer and Joan (Reed) Richmond all of Bellville; granddaughter Jenny Garber; step grandchildren Catherine (Isaac) Stoner and Jenna and Jared Schaefer; siblings Delno Hackett of Millbrook, Jeanette Landwehr of Greeley, CO, Jane Hobbs of Dayton, and Gary Hackett of Parma; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant daughter Laura Garber, brothers Roger, Stanley, and Jim Hackett.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 8, 2014, from 4-7 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where funeral services will be Thursday at 11 am. Burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to the Jefferson Township-Bellville Rescue Squad may be made through the funeral home.

Online condolences to the family are encouraged by visiting:SnyderFuneralHomes.com