Norma Jean Garner

WASHINGTON- Norma Jean Garner, 88, of Washington passed away on February 13, 2016 surrounded by her family. Born in Rushville, Illinois to Homer and Marie Robeson in 1927, Norma grew up on the family farm with her beloved sister Janice. She attended Western Illinois University where she met and married her first husband Robert Wittekiend. They raised three children in Washington, Illinois. Norma returned to college and graduated from Illinois State University and then taught business at Washington Community High School for 20 Years. She loved her students and was a proud faculty advisor to the Key Club for many years. After the death of her husband, Norma married Jack Logan who had been her high school sweetheart. They had five wonderful years together before he, too, passed away. In 1996, Norma married Dick Garner. She and Dick traveled extensively during their marriage and enjoyed their home and little dog Sammy in Washington. She was a member of the Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington for more than 60 years. Norma gave the precious gift of attention to everyone she met, and people left her presence feeling better about themselves. She lived a joyous life. Norma is survived by her husband, Richard Garner and her children, Mark Wittekiend (Wendy), Pamela Mangene (Bob) and Anne Wittekiend along with step-son Richard Garner (Darlene) who lives in Germantown Hills and special friend Cheri Elsasser who was like a daughter to her. Norma leaves four grandchildren, Jennifer and Ryan Wittekiend and David and Scott Mangene and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Janice and brother-in-law Dick Edgcomb. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Reflections Memory Care who have given her (and us) the most loving care. We also want to thank Meryssa, Wendy, Tricia, and Penny from Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. A funeral service for Norma will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 11:00A.M. at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. Pastor Dan Doty will officiate. There will be a visitation at an hour prior to the service, from 10:00A.M-11:00A.M, at the church. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Norma Jean Garner

March 10, 1927 - February 13, 2016