Norma Reed
Norma Reed, 80, passed away July 8, 2013. She was born on March 28, 1933, to James Saltsman and Iola Scott Saltsman in Boswell, Ind.
As their first born, she assisted with the care of her three brothers, jerry, Dale, and Chuck and her sisters Nancy and Joellen. Norma experienced the Great Depression and was raised to love and care for her family. She explained, “We didn’t have the things children have today, so many opportunities…., but we made up for it with big meals and enjoyed time together around the table.” Norma graduated from Frankfort High School in 1951, and married William (Bill) Reed that same year. They quickly established careers in Washington, D.C. Norma was Assistant to the Architect of the Capital Building. She often recounted stories of Presidents she encountered in those days, including the afternoon Senator Lyndon B. Johnson asked to sit beside her at lunch, shortly before his term in office, but she declined, explaining that she was saving that seat for a friend being unaware of who he was at the time! Bill and Norma had a wonderful and exciting time in Washington enjoying the beauty of the cherry trees and their careers, but it wasn’t long before Bill was called to the ministry. Beginning at Minnesota Bible College and then on to Roanoke Bible College in North Carolina, Norma partnered with Bill for 40 years planting churches in North Carolina and Indiana. During that time, Norma worked for the Nuece River City Government in New Bern, N.C., and later served as church secretary to Michigantown Christian Church; she served many years as a Sunday school teacher. She raised three children, Pamela Moncrief (Michael), Ronald Reed, and Christopher (Cindy). Norma quickly fell in love with the east coast with its Outer Banks, beautiful shores and lighthouses. In later years, Bill and Norma resided in Greenfield, but traveled back to the coast for the Annual Gospel Rally at Roanoke to experience their love of the coast and to share memories and make new ones with long time friends and family in the faith. They also traveled to Brown County, Ind. each autumn and spring to receive and savor the splendor of the season on their April anniversary and to possibly spot a beloved bluebird or cardinal. Norma Reed was a woman of faith. She was grounded in the understanding that “all things work for the good of those who love the Lord.” She always remembered the importance of time together at the table, sharing life, reminiscing, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Conversations around the table with Bill and Norma will never be forgotten. Norma entertained with stories from her childhood, Washington, the Ministry and was always ready to teach, listen, love, and guide as needed. She was poised with merit and virtue.
Norma loved all children, and the delight in her eyes at the sight of her surviving three children; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren and their families. The love, wisdom, and grace she imparted to each of them is what makes her legacy as a beloved and honored matriarch our dear treasure. She touched countless lives, enjoyed countless hours experiencing, learning, and teaching the love of the Lord and His Word. She lived a life of service to the King. As she enters His gates with thanksgiving and praise, it will be at the sight of Him that she receives her reward, and He will easily and with all of His heart reach out to her and say, “Well done, My Good and Faithful Servant.”
The celebration of her life will be at 1 p.m. Friday, July 12, 3013, at Stillinger Family Funeral Home in Greenfield, followed by the service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northside Christian Church or the building fund of the Greenfield Church of Christ.
Online condolences can be made to www.stillingerfamilyfuneralhome.com.
