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ESTHER NORRIS Obituary

ESTHER L. (LEBSACK) NORRIS, 90, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Esther was born on April 4, 1933, in Loveland, Colo., to Jacob and Marie Lebsack. She married Samuel J. Norris on Dec. 22, 1990, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Sam preceded her in death on Feb. 24, 2017. Esther received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Denver, her Master's of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa, and her training in ministry from Bethany Seminary, prior to her ordination as a pastor into the Church of the Brethren. Esther was a member of the Columbia City Church of the Brethren in Columbia City, Ind. Esther's life was spent in service to others as a nurse and ultimately as vice president of Ottumwa Hospital in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was also involved in teen ministries and served as an interim pastor at various churches. She especially enjoyed her interaction with students from Indiana Wesleyan University. Esther is survived by her son, Jerry Kalb; four stepsons, Jeffrey, Gary, Martin, and Andy Norris; 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; one nephew; and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Marie Lebsack; her husband, Sam Norris; two brothers, Albert and Rueben Lebsack; two sisters, Marie Lenhardt and Mollie Bernhardt; one son, Erin Kalb; one stepson, Edward Norris; and one great-grandchild, Silas Kalb. A funeral service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Columbia City Church of the Brethren, located at 112 N. Washington St., Columbia City (IN 46725). Pastor Dennis Beckner officiating. Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow the service at Spring Hill Cemetery in Fort Recovery, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: the Jacob and Marie Lebsack Scholarship Fund/ Indiana Wesleyan University, or Columbia City Church of the Brethren, or Salamonie Church of the Brethren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Glancy-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren, Ind.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on May 29, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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1 Entry

Ruth Bucklin White

August 10, 2023

I called my friend, Esther, frequently to chat and to reminisce over the many years we have known each other. This time she didn´t answer, instead, a voice told me that her phone was no longer in service. Perplexed, I searched the obituary announcements and finally found her there. Her only family I had met was in Ottumwa, Ia.... Her son, Jerry and her husband, Sam. I want to express to Jerry and to the family my deepest condolences for your loss. You all have been so blessed to have had this remarkable woman in your life. I´m thrilled to think of her now... able to see and completely whole in every way! Hallelujah! I am 90 also so I expect to see her again soon standing there next to her Savior as He tells her,
"Well done, My good and faithful servant!" My prayer for you all is that you know her Jesus, and if not, don´t wait any longer to ask Him in your hearts!!! HE´S COMING BACK VERY SOON!!! God bless you!!!
Ruth Bucklin White

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Memorial Events
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May

31

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Columbia City Church of the Brethren

112 N. Washington St, Columbia City, IN 46725

May

31

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Columbia City Church of the Brethren

112 N. Washington St, Columbia City, IN 46725

Funeral services provided by:

Glancy H. Brown & Son Funeral Home

203 N Matilda St P.O. Box 366, Warren, IN 46792

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