Erma Norman

Erma Norman, 90, of Union, died Tuesday morning, July 31st, at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center while in care of her family and the Iowa River Hospice. Funeral services and a celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 6th, at the Bangor-Liberty Friends Church with a time of fellowship and refreshments immediately following in the fellowship hall of the church. She will be laid to rest in the Union Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 6-8:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Memorials may be directed to the family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Erma and her family. Ph 641-844-1234. Erma was born on October 9, 1916 in Butler County, Iowa to Sanford and Lula (Bavendar) Vestal. She was the youngest of 8 children, having 5 sisters and 2 brothers. Erma attended 7 different schools before graduating from Union High School in 1934.At the sweet age of 16, Erma met a handsome boy named Glenn. Along with other friends, they spent time going to Revival Meetings at local Friends churches. It was during this time they both accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It may not have been love at first sight, but Glenn continued to pursue Erma even after he moved to Iowa City to attend college. After a few love letters and surprise visits, Glenn and Erma ran away to Princeton, Missouri to get married on November 4, 1937. As newlyweds they lived in Iowa City.Glenn went to college while Erma worked as a waitress in a caf. In exchange for her work they got all their meals for free. After living in Iowa City, mostly on love, Glenn and Erma moved back to central Iowa.They lived in Marshalltown for a few years before starting their own farm. They didnt have much, but Erma always said those were they happiest days of her life. She loved helping on the farm, especially feeding the chickens. It was during those days that Erma began what she thought was her greatest accomplishment, raising 3 beautiful daughters, Sharon, Alene, and Becki. In 1964 Glenn and Erma moved to Union. It was difficult for Erma to leave the farm, but she continued many of her passions in life. Erma delighted in spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren. She loved traveling across the country from North Carolina to Hawaii, especially when it meant meeting up with old friends and family. Erma also enjoyed collecting dishes and antiques, sewing and quilting, and studying family history. Erma was an active member of Bangor Liberty Friends Church, where she always found a way to generously lend a helping hand. She was a member of Liberty U.S.F.W., receiving the Eliza Armstrong Cox award in 1994. Ermas friendly smile, warm heart, and caring spirit will be missed by all of us. Today Erma is rejoined in Heaven with her life-long husband Glenn, along with her daughter Alene, her parents, and 7 brothers and sisters.After much joy, in addition to sadness, over the last 90 years, we can only imagine Ermas life in paradise today.