Norma Pauline (Schafer) Schoessler

Norma Pauline (Schafer) Schoessler, age 82, a lifelong resident of Ritzville, died Dec. 19, 2011, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

The daughter of Nick and Pauline (Benzel) Schafer, she was born March 13, 1929, and graduated from Ritzville High School in 1947.

She entered the work force as a legal secretary for Ed Cross and Judge Richard B. Ott. Her sister and brother-in-law, Don and Orlou Kiehn, introduced her to Henry Marvin Schoessler at a family card party. They were married on Nov, 3, 1951.

They retired from farming and moved to town in 1984.

She was a member of Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ, past member of Daughters of Zion, church choirs and quartets.

She was a member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and H.E. Gritman Senior Center. According to her family, she was dedicated to the activities and interests of her children and grandchildren, always ready to go, do and spend time in their world.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet Schoessler of Vancouver; a son, John Schoessler and wife, Stacey, of Ritzville; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Clarke of Vancouver, Christopher Clarke of Seattle, Caitlin Schoessler of Ritzville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Henry Marvin; two sisters: Orlou Kiehn and Joanne Klemmer.

Graveside service was Dec. 23, 2011, at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Zion Philadelphia UCC.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ, 301 E. Broadway, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Danekas Funeral Home – Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.