Obituaries

Norma Jean Distler

Photo of Norma Jean Distler
Norma Jean Distler, 72, of Jefferson City, died Thursday, December 15, 2011. She was born on July 27, 1939, in Taos, the daughter of the late Clarence Frank and Alma Frances Rackers Hoffmeyer. She was a 1957 graduate of Fatima High School, where she was Valedictorian. On October 3, 1959, in Taos, she was united in marriage to Theodore Bernard "Ted" Distler, who preceded her in death on June 12, 2011. Norma had been employed with Missouri Citizens for Life, Missouri Division of Health, and with the Missouri Division of Employment Security as a clerk, where she retired on April 10, 1991. Norma was a former member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the Cathedral of St. Joseph. She had been active with Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, Rachel's Voice, Alzheimer's Association, various homeless shelters, and food banks. Norma had a passion for unborn children and helping the less fortunate. Norma enjoyed cooking, baking, and caring for children and her family. Survivors include: three children, Mitch (Angela) Distler, Jefferson City, Dan (Pam) Distler, Carl Junction, Mo., and Mary Ellen (Jason) Raines, Wentzville, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Cody Distler, Logan Distler, Nathan Distler, Jacob Distler, Gracie Distler, Ashley Raines, Owen Raines, and A.J. Raines; and four siblings, Marilyn (Ray) Hentges, Jefferson City, Melba (Bill) Hentges, Sumter, S.C., Diane (Terry) Scott, House Springs, Mo., and Roger (Mary) Hoffmeyer, Jefferson City. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Lynne Kaye Distler. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Monday, December 19, 2011, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Taos, with the Rev. Wayne M. Boyer, officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be 8:30-10 a.m. Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association, 2400 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, MO 65201; or Vitae Caring Foundation, 1731 Southridge Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com

Published December 18, 2011