Obituary of Norma Gene Miller

After living a full life as a loving wife, caring mother, nurturing grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, friend and confidante, Norma Gene Miller passed away gently on September 14, 2018 at 93. Norma was born March 9, 1925 to C. Frank and Florence Tennant, during a time when you walked everywhere, 5 cents got you into a movie, and blocks of ice were delivered to homes and businesses, which Norma and her younger sister sometimes helped their Dad do. Norma loved dancing and worked as an assistant to her dance teacher to pay for her own lessons, which also got her a solo in the finale! She worked at McIntyre's Ice Cream Shop, where she met the future love of her life, Don. When WW II broke out she knew she better marry that man and as a new bride in 1944, travelled to Baltimore to send him off to fight. She returned to Baltimore again when her young husband was wounded and returned stateside. She worked making parachutes when factories were converted for the war effort. Norma and Don raised five children, and had 14 grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren, and 2 great- great grandchildren. After 51 years of marriage he succumbed to COPD in 1996. She then volunteered at the VA for several years. Norma loved her flowers, long walks down the tracks, bingo, cards, theater, reading and talking about current events, especially environmental issues, thanks to her eldest son. Sunday dinners were a family affair and she always made it look easy. She baked like a pro: cookies, cakes, even making cut-out cakes for the grandkids! She was very proud of each and every one of her children and grandchildren, and had a great listening ear. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Terry (Barbara) Miller; Susan (Larry) Schroeder; Russell Miller; Laurel (Jeff) Simmons; Judith (Gabe) Nagy. Grandchildren: Matt (Kari), Gregory (Rachel Maid), Forrest, Logan Miller; Eric (Gena), Andrew (Toni) Schroeder, Sarah (Chris) Busby; Dawn (Ron) Boyle, Luke Miller, Brian and Amanda Simmons; Spencer Nagy. Great- Grandchildren: Brittany (Steve) Kunkel, Mark Jr, and Mariah (Will Stender) Miller; Morgan and Anna Schroeder; Rylan LaFleur, Alexandria (Adam Greenhoe), Emma, and Jackson Miller; Tyler Busby, Hunter Miller, and Riley Gasta. Great-great Grandchildren: Leah and Lelan Kunkel. One brother-in-law, Bob (Janie) Miller. Many nieces and nephews. Norma was predeceased by her loving husband, Donald; parents; siblings: James, Russell, Lois, Phyllis (Bunny); grandsons Mark Miller Sr. and Michael Anderson; a special daughter-in-law, Jacqueline; several brother and sisters-in-law; and life-time friends Carol Davis and Ann Krantz. The family would like to thank the staff at Bickford Assisted Living in Saginaw for the care provided over the years and especially the kind, compassionate care at the end. Appreciation is also extended to The Care Team Hospice for their knowledge and support. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday September 21, 2018 at the Hyatt-Ewald Funeral Home, Bay City. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to: Alzheimer's Association or Caring Team Hospice. To sign online guestbook visit www.hyattewald.com. All sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home.