Norma Wolfe

1934-2020

Posted

Norma Jean Wolfe Jennings, 85, Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Bluffs following a long-term illness.

She was born Nov. 22, 1934, to Ernie and Mable (McDaniel) Wolfe in Linn.

She was united in marriage to Donald Leo Jennings, May 11, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Linn.

Norma, the oldest of seven children, was raised on a farm near Linn in rural Osage County. She enjoyed the country life of fresh garden vegetables, fried chicken on Sunday and the joy of old-time country music at family gatherings.

A homemaker for much of her life, Norma cherished her time supporting her family, especially preparing meals for special gatherings. You could always depend on a big breakfast and nobody should start their day with less than three slices of bacon, her favorite. For 17 years, Norma worked for the Jefferson City High School food service baking and serving lunches.

Norma did her best to get her children involved in the Sunday School program, Moreau Bend 4-H Club, and Boy Scouts. Her commitment to volunteering led her to helping teach Sunday school, teach the foods classes as a 4-H leader, serve as President of the Boonville 49ers Women’s Club, a member of the PTA board and the Extension Club where she valued her friends and activities.

Some of her favorite memories with family were at the cabin on the Osage River near Henley, fishing and swimming, cooking pork steaks on the grill and sitting in the shade. She loved to watch Antique Roadshow and Mollie B’s Polka Party Saturday night. Having the family together for holiday gatherings was her greatest joy. Norma’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved to spoil them. She truly cherished her family and friends.

Norma will be remembered for her loving, generous heart, spunky sense of humor and the ability to make everyone feel special.

She was preceded in death by parents, Ernie and Mable; loving husband of 55 years, Donald; son-in-law, Jim McIlwain; and sister, Shirley Jaegers.

Norma is survived by children, Debbie McIlwain of Jefferson City and Donald Jennings and wife Pat of Gilman, Iowa, Doug Jennings and wife, Angel of Centertown and Dana Gibler of Gravois Mills; grandchildren, Carrie and Kathleen McIlwain, Ryan, Adam, Brett and Andy Jennings, Aubrey and Hannah Sluyter and Samantha Gibler; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelyn Gilpin and husband George, Sharon Chmidling and husband David and Bill Wolfe and friend Linda, all of Jefferson City, Alice Fowler of Boise, Idaho and Danny Wolfe of Russellville; and aunt Jessie and husband Jay Spillman of Linn.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City with the Reverend Karen Taylor officiating.

Entombment will be held in the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery. The general public is welcome to attend her services while following social distancing guidelines and are encouraged to wear personal masks while in attendance.

A webcast of the funeral service will begin Thursday, Aug. 27, at 12:45 p.m. for friends and family that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.

Memorial contributions suggested to Hospice Compassus and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City.