Norma M. Schumacher Kerley

Norma M. Schumacher Kerley, age 92, resident of Shelby died Sunday May 22, 2016 in Crestwood Care Center.

Born August 8, 1923 in Kalida, Ohio, she was the daughter of Anthony T. and Magdalena (Schroeder) Smith. She grew up in the rural farming community of Putnam County and as a young adult worked at Westinghouse in Lima. In 1945 she married Alfred A. Schumacher and they started their own farming business together, living most of their lives in Shelby along with their seven children. She and Alfred were married for forty years until his passing in 1985.  

Norma was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Altar & Rosary Society, and Ladies Knights of Columbus. She enjoyed her work as a volunteer for the Hospital Guild, but for the last several years her favorite pastime has been her Japanese punch embroidery, otherwise known as Bunka. In 1998 she became a certified instructor and taught the art for many years. Norma, along with her husband Alfred, were very instrumental in sponsoring a young man to become a priest. They were also very generous in contributing to the Selasion Missions. In her younger days she was an avid organist and enjoyed playing golf.

Survivors include three sons, Edward (Cheryl) Schumacher, Jerald (Debbie) Schumacher and Steven (Linda) Schumacher, all of Shelby; two daughters, Kathryn Schumacher and Lois (Dan) Robertson, all of Shelby; one step-daughter, Joan Mulcahy of Lafayette, CO; 18 grandchildren;  25 great-grandchildren; one brother Thomas Smith of Ft. Jennings; one sister, Esther Halker, Columbus Grove; close family friends, Leonard and Kathy Fox and their two daughters; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In addition to her parents and first husband, Alfred, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Thomas J. Kerley in 2005; two sons Daniel Schumacher in 2012 and Timothy Schumacher in 2008; an infant grandson, Ryan Edward Schumacher in 1976; five brothers, Gilbert, Edward, Robert, Leonard and Cyrillus Smith; and three sisters, Martha Fuerst, Mary Brown and Florence Freeman and a daughter-in-law, Victoria Griffith Schumacher in 1992.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 AM Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Father Chris Bohnsack will officiate with interment in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Cemetery.  Friends may call  at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby, Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. where the rosary will be recited at 7:45 PM.  In lieu of flowers memorial expressions may be made to St. Mary's School.

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