Norma C. Smith

Norma Carol Smith entered this life on June 27, 1940, in Foley, Alabama. She was the third child born to Norman and Marjorie (Brown) Eicher. 

After her family relocated to Burns, Kansas in 1948, Norma attended Burns Elementary School from the third grade onward, where she developeda fondness for reading and history, subjects that enriched her lifelong love of learning. Her memory was amazing, and she often recited poetry and remembered dates and events with clarity. 

When Norma was quite young, she helped other families in the community, babysitting their children and doing housekeeping chores. As a young lady, she was employed at the Hurst's Egg Factory in Newton, Kansas, living in an apartment with her co-worker and dear friend, Bernice. Many lively times ensued.

 On June 10, 1962, she married M. John Smith, and together we worked side by side on our farm. She was a loyal and supportive wife to me, and I trusted her completely to care for our children and the farm when my work took me far away. She was a loving and nurturing homemaker for our close-knit family of two daughters and one son. 

As life moved on, Norma's commitment extended beyond her household. She generously volunteered at the Susan B. Allen Hospital in El Dorado, Kansas, offering her time and warmth to those in need. Her giving nature was reflected in sharing fellowship with family and friends, and she was always ready to serve others. 

Norma's life was touched profoundly by both joy and sorrow. One of the most challenging periods was the loss of their eldest daughter, Michele. Norma and John traveled to Texas many times to support and care for Richard and the children in that time of hardship. We are comforted to think of Mom and Michele together at last, and we look forward to joining them some day! 

Her passions were varied and heartfelt. Norma delighted in refinishing furniture and cooking meals that brought loved ones together. Flowers held a special place in her heart, symbolized by the memorial garden she and John lovingly tended in honor of their daughter Michele. Her gentle appreciation for nature extended to watching birds around the farm, moments that brought her happiness. Starting her day with a cup of coffee and a cookie was among her simple joys. 

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, M. John Smith; daughter, Julie (Keith) Koehn; son, David (Shannon) Smith; son-in-law, Richard (Marci) Ensz; twelve treasured grandchildren and their spouses; eleven treasured greatgrandchildren; many nieces and nephews and dear friends; and brothers, Allen (Iva), Ervin (Vickie), Jasper (Darla) and James Eicher. 

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Marjorie (Brown) Eicher; daughter, Michele Ensz; sisters, Lavonne Geer and Louise Koehn; brothers, Maurice and Lawrence Eicher; and sister, Beth Ann Eicher. 

We sincerely thank the staff at the Moundridge Manor for your loving and attentive care for our wife and mother. We are forever grateful. We also thank the Burns Congregation and Staff for your amazing help and support to us as a family; from standing beside us as she slipped away to bringing meals and steady assistance. May our God richly bless each of you! 

Special thanks to each one who sent cards, flowers, hugs and messages and reached out to us in many other ways; we will never forget your kindness. 

Gatherings for viewing will be held at the Moundridge Manor, located at 710 Christian Ave., Moundridge, Kansas on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., and also at Eden Mennonite Church, located at 14963 NW Boyer Rd, Burns, KS from 7:00-8:30 p.m. 

Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Eden Mennonite Church, located at 14963 NW Boyer Rd, Burns, Kansas.

 Memorials may be given to Moundridge Manor, and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas.