Norma May Bethke

Some parents are their children's best friends, or stern taskmasters, or absentee caregivers. Norma Bethke was none of those. Norma was a wonderful mother, who raised her children with inspiration, influence and more than anything, love. She was a deeply loyal, loving wife, devoted friend and hardworking woman, but above all, Norma was simply an amazing mother. The year was 1928, and America was enjoying so many successes, the calm before the storm of the Great Depression. The prosperous times of the Roaring Twenties were entering their twilight, as the economic prosperity and industrial growth that marked the decade would soon come to an end. Here in this corner of the country, a little girl named Norma was born on August 9, 1928, a hot, sunny Thursday in Spring Lake, Michigan, to Emil and Ruth (Wills) Warber. Norma's father was a plumber, while her mother was a homemaker, and the family lived in a home on E. Exchange in town, where she was born. Norma grew up with a strong appreciation for her family heritage. The Warbers were a well-known name in the Spring Lake community, with their roots there over the past 120 years, and it seemed as though everyone was related to them in some way or another. Growing up, Norma was a bright young girl, even winning the Watson-Guptill Publication, Inc. Award from the New York City company. After she graduated from high school, she went on to work for Bell Telephone. Later she went to work for North Ottawa Community Hospital, where she served in various departments in a clerical capacity for 19 years. While Norma's professional life was on track, soon her personal life would blossom, as well. One day she attended a party, where she met a wonderful man named Warren Bethke, introduced to each other by their mutual friend, Frank Mastenbrook, who stood back as the sparks flew. Norma and Warren really hit it off, and quickly began a romance. He was a strapping fellow, having served as a "flying fortress" mechanic in World War II, before becoming a plumber, just like her father. The two married on April 8, 1949, beginning a lifelong love affair. And what a magical marriage it was. Norma and Warren were so perfect for each other in so many ways, with complementary personalities and a deep love and devotion to one another. They were almost always together, and were a team in every sense of the word. Norma and Warren doted on each other, as well. He often bought her roses, which became a special tradition for them, as well as lilac and gladiola bouquets. And Norma supported Warren in his endeavors, especially his career. Norma and Warren were both very active in the Plumbing Inspector's Association of Michigan, where Warren was the Secretary. Having been around the industry her entire life, she understood the trade and enjoyed attending the annual conventions, where she mingled with the many friends she made there. The two were also blessed with four wonderful children, Carla, Chris, Craig and Cevin. Four grandchildren were enjoyed by both Norma and Warren. Norma was blessed with an additional great-grandchild after Warren's death. She had four great-grandchildren that brightened her life. Warren and Norma were exceptional parents, particularly Norma, who made an incredible mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Their tight-knit family did everything together. Together they built a cabin on Gun Lake in Freesoil, and everyone helped in its construction. That cabin was home to so many happy, cherished memories over the years, so many wonderful stories, for the kids, grandkids and even great-grandkids. When Norma's children were young, they often had picnics there, feasting on Huckleberry pies made with the berries the kids spent all morning gathering. They fondly remember their mother ringing the big farm bell to call them in from play. Of course, her children have so many fond memories of their mother, who was such a loving parent and guiding influence. Norma taught her children so much, instilling in them morals, discipline, proper etiquette, pronunciation, tidiness, manners, as well as a deep respect for others. They learned the meaning of hard work through Norma and Warren's example, and Norma always kept an immaculately clean home. What she and Warren taught their children most, though, was to always try your best, at whatever it is you do. They taught it, and they expected it, as well. Whether it was playing Varsity basketball or their music lessons, which each of the children took, Norma expected they give 110 percent. They also made sure they corralled all four of their children and got them to church every Sunday, no small feat in itself! Norma and Warren were very involved and attentive parents, and Norma was active in their lives, from their schoolwork to the Brownies, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. And Norma made sure family was a big part of her children's lives, as well, and they visited their Grandma and Grandpa Warber each Sunday. The kids were taught to be quiet when playing outside, because their grandparents' home was across the street from St. Mary's Convent. When her children had grown into the fine people they are today, Norma and Warren enjoyed a wonderful retirement together. They loved to travel, and did so often. Together the happy couple visited Panama, many places in the Caribbean, the Grand Canyon, Pikes Peak, Chicago, the Mall of America (they both loved to shop), and Alaska (where Norma took 11 rolls of pictures in 7 days!). They spent their winters in Florida, to be near her sisters, and they loved it there. They loved going to the beach, playing bingo, shopping, being social with other people in the park, and of course, just being together. Norma continued to stay connected to her children, of course, and never missed her regular Sunday phone calls from her son living in Wisconsin. She also loved spending time with her grandkids, and her granddaughter fondly remembers Norma describing each and every charm on her bracelet, each with its own story, its own adventure. That was Norma, though. Wherever she went, she brought a piece of it back with her, to share with those closest to her. She collected glass marble paperweights, as well as stones. She'd find a big rock from whatever place she visited, then lug it back with her to put in the garden, each with a story, each filled with memory. Sadly, Norma's beloved Warren died on September 30, 2004, after 55 years of wonderful, loving marriage. Norma grieved, but persevered with the same strength she always possessed, so grateful for the life they shared together. Norma died April 6, 2006, after a long, full life, a life full of love and family and happiness. She was a remarkable woman, a woman of such great character and charisma. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who made such an impact in everyone around her. Like those charms on her bracelet, or the rocks in her garden, Norma's life was filled with stories. Her story, and her love, lives on today, in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be so greatly missed.