Norma Jean Unruh

Norma Jean Unruh crossed over into the loving arms of Jesus Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015. A longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach, Norma was born and raised in Kansas to Wayne and Doris Ward. She married Eugene "Gene" in 1955. They lived in several states and overseas as Gene served his country through the U.S. Air Force. Upon retiring, they made Fort Walton Beach their home. They enjoyed camping and traveling together in their motor home, passing their love of the outdoors on to their children and grandchildren. Norma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Ward; and husband, Eugene Unruh.
She is survived by her brother, Gary Ward, and his family of North Carolina; daughters, Sherry Manthorne (Jay) of Georgia; Kate LeBoeuf (Rob) of South Carolina; and Jana York (Ken) of Japan. Norma had nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Together they will let her stories live on through their lives.
Norma was devoted to her beloved Shalimar United Methodist Church where she was a vital and active member for over 30 years. She had a variety of interests ranging from cheering on her favorite sports teams to crocheting afghans. She was an extremely generous person with a larger than life personality. An elegant woman with an incredible sense of humor, her hands were always busy creating beautiful things to warm people and make them smile. She will be deeply missed by her family; friends; church; and best friend, Rick Smith, who challenged her and kept her laughing endlessly.
The family will receive friends at Emerald Coast Funeral Home Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, from 4 to 6 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at Shalimar UMC Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at 9 a.m., with burial to follow in Barrancas National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Norma's honor may be made to Shalimar United Methodist Church, 1 Old Ferry Road, Shalimar, FL 32579.
Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.