Norma M. Myers

Norma Wainwright Myers, 92 of Philo, passed away October 3, 2014 at the Helen Purcell Home in Zanesville. Norma was born September 18, 1922 in Palmer Township near Waterford, Ohio, the daughter of the late Ernest and Bertha (Harra) Wainwright. She was the oldest of three children. She grew up on the family farm in Palmer Township having her early years during the roaring twenties but teen age years during the depression of the thirties. She and her future husband Lloyd decided to marry at the end of the thirties, running away to Kentucky on July 9, 1939 because they were just a little too young to marry in Ohio at that time, she being 16 and he being 17. They celebrated their 75th anniversary this past July 9th. Norma was a dedicated wife and mother, but was not accustomed to staying home. She participated fully in farming, working at their Pure Oil service station and Myers Grocery Stores. She worked in their small businesses in Philo from the time they moved there in 1949 until they closed the Myers Grocery in 1970. At the same time that she was fully engaged in the business she was also rearing her two children, Virginia and Don. Norma was very interested in completing her formal education after closing the store. She worked at getting a GED; she succeeded in 1973 and then became the food service director for the Franklin Local Schools until she retired in 1987. Norma really never became political about it but she was quite an example of an independent woman striving to succeed in the workplace. She simply did not allow any barriers to stop her from meeting her goals. She was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star Beverly Chapter as well as the American Legion Auxiliary and the Philo United Methodist Church. In her retirement she became well known for her cooking, in particular her homemade pies which were enjoyed by her neighbors, friends, and family as well as many others that may have gotten a bite or two at the bi-annual VFW chicken roasts. Norma's mincemeat pies were a specialty that may never be copied. She also enjoyed volunteering for Genesis Hospital for many years. Norma is survived by her loving husband of 75 years, Lloyd Myers; her daughter Virginia Williams of McCormick, SC., her son Don (Terri) Myers of North Stonington, CT., her 5 grandchildren and her 6 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Norma is preceded in death by her two siblings Melvin Wainwright and Annie Porter. In lieu of flowers please make Memorial Contributions in Norma's name to the American Cancer Society. Visitations will be held from 3 to 5 pm Monday, October 6th 2014 at the Farus Funeral Home of Duncan Falls where a memorial service will be held at 5 pm with Rev. Terry Priest officiating.