Norma Myre, 92, of Seneca, passed away on June 17, 2023 at Pleasant View, surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, with Rev. Randy Mortenson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Norma was born on January 5, 1931 in Wedron, IL to Glenn and Myrtle (Tufte) Wilkinson. She was a graduate of Serena High School. She married Martin Myre on September 9, 1950 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church. Norma lived with passion and devotion to her family, her faith, and her farm. Music was also one of her passions. While attending Serena High School her vocal prowess earned her first place at state competitions. After high school, Norma joined a women’s barbershop quartet, performing throughout central Illinois. Her musical talent took a backseat when she married Martin Myre, a farmer in Seneca. A year later she began a new adventure… farmer’s wife. God blessed Martin and Norma with four children. Despite busy schedules, Norma rarely missed a ball game, a concert, or a play. In the evenings she enjoyed singing with her children, gathered around the piano. A faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa, Norma shared her musical talents through solos and accompaniments. She served Bethel through various committees, VBS ministry, and as a longtime member of the Christian Ed. Board. Norma’s community also felt her impact through a family business, The Bestseller Christian Book & Gift Store. She was a friend, prayer warrior, and counselor to many. Her last few years were spent at Pleasant View, and depending on the season, Norma enjoyed watching her beloved White Sox or cheering for the Packers. However, Norma’s earthly home was “The Farm,” where grandma/Gigi shared more than Christmas carols and home-cooked meals. Her love and enthusiasm are rooted in the soil she shared with generations of family: nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by four children; Martin Glenn Myre of Seneca, Monica Sue Myers of Seneca, Michael Wayne Myre of Marseilles, and Matthew Brian Myre of Naperville; eight grandchildren, Martin James Myre, Cara (Glenn) Manning, Grant (Jameli) Myers, Nathan (Holly) Myers, Chad (Christine) Myre, Brian Myre, Sarah (Mark) Hilde, and Emily (Lukas) Willems; 21 great grandchildren, Pearl, Bode, Gus, Sophia, Angelina, Natalie, Simeon, Jack Myers, Crewe, Caroline, Jack Myre, Emily, Myla, Joshua, Leah, Emma, Isaac, Katherine, Ellison, Reese, and Wells; and former daughters-in-law Nancy and Dena.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Martin, a brother, Glenn Wilkinson, son-in-law Jack Myers, and daughter-in-law Cathi Myre.
Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church or Hope Life Center in Ottawa, IL.
Norma has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments at Oakwood Memorial Park.