Norma Jean Werth

Norma Jean Moerer Werth died peacefully on September 17, 2026 at age 86.

The sixth of nine children, she was born in Minnesota and spent much of her childhood living with her family on a farm in Auburn, Nebraska. Norma survived polio as a child.

After attending a one-room rural schoolhouse, Norma was the first person in her immediate family to go to college. She studied at Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska and taught elementary school in Fargo, North Dakota, Omaha, Nebraska, and Republic, Ohio.

Norma met her future husband Luther Werth, who was visiting his parents in Fargo while on break from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. They married in Omaha in 1965.

Norma and Lu started their married life in Tiffin, OH. They then served at Timothy Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, IA, Hope Lutheran Church in Shawnee, KS, and Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livonia, MI. After retirement, Norma and Lu moved to Fremont, CA and then Union City, CA.

An enthusiastic gardener, Norma would find just the right shape and color of plant for just the right spot. She loved to bake and would produce a large array of Christmas cookies that were not only delicious but also gorgeous. She enjoyed reading and learning about the world.

She took art classes in college for the first time and discovered she had a talent for drawing and painting. She was always interested in art and design and enjoyed making art with her kids and grandchildren.

In California, Norma delighted in being able to pluck lemons, persimmons, and avocados from trees right in her own backyard, an abundance she would not have imagined. But she always missed her native Midwest, especially the many family and friends she left behind.

Norma deeply loved her grandchildren, and she always tried to make people feel included.

Norma was predeceased by her husband, parents, daughter Elizabeth, and 6 brothers and sisters. She is survived by 3 daughters, sons-in-law, 2 beloved grandchildren, 2 sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

A livestreamed service is planned for early December.