Ruth Ann (DeWeerd) Norton
Age 97, received the ultimate Christmas gift when she went home to be with her Lord on December 17, 2010. She is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with her husband of 58 years, Herb, who preceded her in death in December of 2001. A loving wife, mother and nana, Ruth’s radiant smile and heart full of God’s love touched her family and friends forever. Born June 8, 1913, in Humansdorp, South Africa, where her parents were missionaries, she moved back to the USA, spent her childhood in Fairmount, Indiana, and pursued her love for education, graduating from Kalamazoo College.
Her career was spent in elementary education in Michigan, teaching at Belding, serving as a teacher and a principal in Rockford, then in Lansing as a teacher at Genesee Street and Foster Avenue schools, and as principal of Barnes Avenue School. An active member of Central United Methodist Church for over 50 years, she served in many ways; her favorites were singing in the choir and leading Sip and Sing each Advent. Ruth’s life prayer was that everyone she met would know the love of God in their own lives.
She is survived by one daughter, Mary Ann (Robert) Broda of Jackson; two grandchildren, Ann Elizabeth and John Norton Broda, who were the light of her life; one dear sister-in-law, Gladys Templin; her sister, Miriam Beeson; and many precious nieces and nephews, and a host of beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Paul; and her sisters, Lelia, Faith, and Eunice.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, with The Rev. Ronald Brooks officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Central United Methodist Church. Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
2 Messages to “Ruth Ann (DeWeerd) Norton”
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Rev. W. J. (Bill) Amundsen
December 21, 2010 at 8:55 pmI visited Ruth Norton several times as Associate Pastor of Central United Methodist Church of Lansing, Michigan. She was a joy to visit, and her family has been blessed to have her as their mother. Ruth, in turn, was blessed to have Mary Ann as a daughter and blessed to be cared for so well by her daughter and family. You have all been “Blessed to be a Blessing!”
Sincerely,
Rev. W. J. (Bill) Amundsen, Retired
Lansing Central UMC Associate Pastor
Robin Wilcox
July 3, 2023 at 3:47 pmI’m so saddened right now. I’d often think of my 3rd grade Teacher Mrs. Norton. Today, I’m not sure why but, I looked up her name and found this obituary. Mrs. Norton was the best teacher I ever had. I remember she would always bring her Blue Christmas Tree to put in our class for the Christmas Holiday. I remember Mary Anne had traveled to Belize and once she returned, everyone in the class had a Pen Pal. Oh the memories. Mr. Norton would stop by every now and then and our class would just marvel over him. They both were so loving. To Mary Anne and family. You have my deepest (belated) condolences. I am so very glad that I am able to give them and reminisce on years gone by. I’m sorry that I’m late and wish I could have seen my 3rd Grade Teacher before she gained her heavenly wings. Maybe she would have remembered me and maybe she wouldn’t have. However, it would had done my soul some good to tell her, “Thank You” and give her a hug and kiss. Thank You Mary Anne for the following:
A red eye gal is a trouble to a man!
A red eye gal is a trouble to a man!
A red eye gal is a trouble to a man
and she wants, and she wants, and she wants everything.
Love You Mrs. Norton
Broken Hearted Robin