Norma Jean Kirsch
Norma Jean Grummer Kirsch was born on July 23, 1932, to Norman and Adelia (Bohlman) Grummer in Okarche and passed away Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. She was 92.
Norma Jean was baptized, confirmed and married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche. She attended St. John’s Lutheran School through eighth grade and graduated from Okarche High School in 1950.
Though she aspired to become a beautician, Norma Jean decided to work for her father in his business following his heart attack.
In 1949, she met Donald Kirsch and they married on June 7, 1952. The couple shared 55 years of marriage until Donald’s passing in 2007.
After his discharge from the Air Force, they moved to the family farm northwest of Kingfisher, where she resided for 57 1/2 years.
Norma Jean and Donald were blessed with three children: Dennis and Janet Kirsch of Guthrie, Deneen and Randy Hendricks of Del City and Diane and Larry Ball of Edmond.
They were further blessed with eight grandchildren: Adam Kirsch of Lake Jackson, Texas; Kristin Jones and husband Alan of Wanette; Gretchen Book and husband Aaron of Edmond; Sarah Gambrell of Edmond; Addison Ball of Oklahoma City; Hayden Ball and wife Kasey of Oklahoma City; and Hallie Robertson and husband Nate of Oklahoma City.
Her four great-grandchildren, Brianna Bettis, Devon and Ethan Jones of Wanette and Chase Crofford of Edmond, brought immense joy to her life along with her two great- great- grandchildren Amelia and Fisher Phipps of Wanette.
She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her fifth great-grandchild, Colette Jean Robertson, in early November.
Norma Jean was one of seven siblings and is survived by her brother Rev. Dr. Roger Grummer and his wife Betty, brother-in-law Charlie Torbeck and sisterin- law Brenda Grummer.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Donald Grummer and his wife Dorothy, Dorothy Stewart and her husband Bill, Duane Grummer and his wife Dena, Marilyn Torbeck and Kenneth Grummer.
A longtime member of the Federated Church in Kingfisher, Norma Jean sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was active in the Women’s Circle of Faith.
She also enjoyed participating in several bridge clubs and was a member of the Willing Workers Community Club.
The Kirsch home became affectionately known as the “Kirsch Bed and Breakfast,” welcoming friends and family from all over the country. Norma Jean loved to entertain, cook, arrange flowers, craft and play cards and she decorated her home for every holiday with care.
Norma Jean and Donald were avid travelers, visiting every state in the U.S. and exploring 53 countries. Along the way, they made lasting friendships that spanned more than 50 years.
Faith, family and joy were at the center of Norma Jean’s life.
After Donald’s passing in 2007, she relocated to Edmond on Oct. 24, 2009, to be closer to her family. She embraced the move, making new friends while maintaining cherished connections with old ones.
In Edmond, she attended First Christian Church, where she found community in the Lunch Bunch, Sunday School, Circle Meetings and weekly dinners with friends.
In 2018, Norma Jean moved to the Veraden Assisted Living where she had a lovely three-room apartment and many new friends.
Norma Jean’s positive spirit, love of life and deep faith touched everyone she knew. Her bright smile, laughter and unwavering optimism will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
“The only thing I really want told about me is that my love for Jesus and my faith is what has gotten me through my life and has given me so much joy and peace. I have so much love in my heart for my dear family and all their love in return has been overwhelming. Thanks be to God and my dear husband and family and friends for giving me such a great life.” - Norma Jean Kirsch A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at First Christian Church, Edmond.