Norma Jeane Schmeling

Norma Jeane Schmeling, 90, was born August 26, 1923 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, the daughter of Roy and Minnie (Lauffer) Marshall. She passed away Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Norma Jeane graduated from New Philadelphia High School. In 1941, she worked for Crane Company in Canton, Ohio until she entered the US Women Marines in 1943. Norma Jeane was stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After boot camp, she served in the Paymaster Department and was later transferred to Philadelphia Marine Corps Paymaster Office for a year. She was then transferred to El Toro Marine Air Base in California where she met her husband, Bob. She received her honorable discharge from the Marines in 1946. That same year Norma Jeane and Bob were married and made their home in Casey, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Judith Lynn and Michael Roy. Norma Jeane worked for the Adair-Casey School District as a secretary and later as an A-C School bus driver before retiring. She lived in Casey until moving to New Homestead in Guthrie Center in 2010.

Norma Jeane was an avid sports fan – she loved cheering on her Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, Iowa Hawkeyes and Denver Broncos. She always had a twinkle in her eye when given the opportunity to engage in a friendly rivalry with her grandson-in-law, John Caes and his Yankees. She enjoyed bowling, skiing in Colorado, reading, a multitude of crafting, gardening and tending to her flowers and plants. Her daughter, Judy, would always get a phone call after a big purchase at the greenhouse looking for her help in finding the perfect spot for Grandma Jeane’s new found treasures. One of Norma Jeane’s favorite pastimes was finding the most beautiful rings and sharing them with Judy, Jaime, Karyn and Joani. Above all else, she cherished the special moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was at the ball field or the dance stage, she was always her family’s #1 fan.

Norma Jeane is survived by her beloved daughter, Judy (John) Moller of Johnston; daughter-in-law, Garideth of Colorado; grandchildren, Brad (Karyn) Downing of Des Moines, Jaime (John) Caes of Altoona, Joani (Jerry) Matalone of Johnston, Johnny (Debra) Moller of Des Moines and Jason Secord and Jana Gross, both of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Michael Downing, Mason Downing, Mac Downing, Maesi Caes, Maddie Caes, John Michael Caes, Jr., Josie Matalone and Sophia Matalone; other loving relatives and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Mike in July of 1990; her loving husband, Bob in October of 1996; sisters, June Phillips and Theresa Ripley of Ohio and her parents.

The family will greet friends starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Casey with funeral services to begin at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at Dalmanutha Cemetery where military rites will be rendered.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church in Casey or the Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Norma Jeane.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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