Norma Bekebrede

Norma J. Bekebrede (nee Schindler), of Saint Charles, Missouri, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2018, at the age of 85. Loving wife of Ralph Bekebrede; beloved daughter of the late Fred and Viola Schindler; devoted mother of Jean (Don) Moorman, Gary (Laura) Bekebrede, Rick (Karon) Bekebrede, Gail (Terry) Quick, and Scott (Linda) Bekebrede and the late David Bekebrede; proud grandmother of 15; treasured great-grandmother of 19; and dear sister of Lorraine Wagner, deceased (Bill), Tom Schindler (Treva), Sandy Burford (David), and Linda Liebnau (David).

Norma was born at home, to her loving parents Fred and Viola Schindler on November 12, 1932. She grew up in South St. Louis and met Ralph when she was 16 years old and remained a loving wife for 65 years. After they were married, Ralph and Norma enjoyed a 9-month honeymoon in California while Ralph was in the Marine Corps. After his discharge, they returned to the St. Louis area where they started their family. In 1960, when Ralph was working for Standard Oil Company, the family transferred to Cleveland, Ohio. Norma was a woman of many talents. Over the years, she worked as a housewife, and did clerical work at home. She also enjoyed repairing and restoring lamps while working in a lighting store, as well as doing database input for early computers. In her spare time, she cherished the moments she spent chasing around her 5 kids. In 1977, she and Ralph “retired” to Los Angeles, California where he was transferred for work. In 1992, they decided to move back home to St. Charles where she was able to spend a great deal of her time with her siblings and family.

Norma was a redeemed child of God. She maintained an active life in her church, no matter where she and her family lived. She had her dad’s kind heart, her mom’s courage and the heart of a lion. She always put others and their needs before those of her own. Norma was an amazing artist and seamstress who maintained a good sense of humor even in the most difficult of times. She enjoyed sunsets, rainbows, nature, hummingbirds, The Muny, The Rep, Bible Study, art museums, the ocean, music and singing hymns. Norma went to heaven on August 31^st, 2018, peacefully with a multitude of family surrounding her at her home. She was a gift to all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s honor to Zion Lutheran Church Harvester.