Norma Jean Wagoner
Norma Jean Wagoner 93, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 2:43 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020, at her home.
On Aug. 22, 1926, Norma Jean Stansbury was born in Fulton County to Hudson and Ina Belle Carruthers Stansbury. Growing up as the second youngest of eight siblings she shared her childhood with four sisters and four brothers. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1944.
In La Paz, Norma Jean and Virgil W. Wagoner were married on Dec. 7, 1946. They shared 65 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two wonderful children Mike and Deb. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
For many years as a loving caregiver, Grandma Wagoner babysat for her grandchildren during their pre-school years. Norma also cared for many other special children until they were ready to go to school.
Paramount in Grandma Wagoner’s life was her family, as she was proud to oversee four generations. Grandma was the grandkids’ No. 1 cheerleader, always there for them seated in the bleachers or auditorium for their sporting events to school concerts. As an amazing cook and baker, Norma instilled the traditional values in her family. Every Sunday, she hosted a family dinner with one of her many specialty meals. She and Virgil’s home was the hub of family activities for the holidays and special family celebrations.
Another tradition was weekend shopping. The adventures took place from Mishawaka to Kokomo and many places in between. The perfect shopping day was always ended with eating out at the nearest buffet.
Left to cherish Norma’s memory are a daughter, Deb Sosbe and husband Tim; a son, Mike Wagoner and wife Linda, all of Rochester; three grandchildren, Dan Wagoner and wife Erin, Lindsay O’Leary and husband Ryan, and Stacey Papandria and husband Chris ; six great-grandchildren, Jacob Wagoner, Brennan Wagoner, Miles Wagoner, Braylon O’Leary, Landon O’Leary, Ella Papandria; two sisters-in-law, Pat Stansbury of Rochester, Beverly Wagoner of Leiters Ford and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Norma in death were her parents, beloved husband Virgil on Jan. 6, 2012, eight siblings, George Richardson, Alice Liming, Carmen Packard, Mabel Miller, John Richardson, Frances Slaybaugh, Joe Stansbury, Helen Carr.
Private services celebrating the life of Norma J. Wagoner will in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St. Rochester. Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Fulton County Animal Shelter, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.