Norma Jean (Hoffman) Stroot
Norma Jean (Hoffman) Stroot, most recently a resident of the Illinois Veterans Home, died on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Payson, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 24, 1929 in Quincy, Illinois to Mildred T. (Fichter) and George L. Hoffman.
She graduated from Quincy Notre Dame with the class of 1948. Norma was crowned the first ever Homecoming Queen at Notre Dame in 1947 and was escorted by her high school sweetheart and future husband, Stanley J. Stroot. They were married on May 24, 1952 in Saint Mary’s Church (now known as Blessed Sacrament) and were happily married for 54 years. Stan preceded her in death on December 14, 2006.
Norma was a homemaker and an Avon Representative for 42 years while also working at Saint Mary’s Hospital in the x-ray department. She then moved to Quincy Physicians and Surgeon Clinic (Quincy Medical Group). She retired in 1995.
While raising their children, Norma was very active with Saint Dominic’s School and Parish, devoting a lot of her time to the school’s famous Spaghetti Dinners which were held annually along with the parish clinic, now known as Junefest.
Stan and Norma traveled every summer in the family camper, taking their children all over the United States and Canada, exploring all the historical landmarks they could find. When not traveling, they would spend their weekends at Crystal Blue Lake, outside of Hannibal. They traveled twice to Germany to visit their oldest son and daughter-in-law. While there they also traveled to Paris, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Austria. Norma was also a very active volunteer to the Drum and Bugle Chore, Sweet Addelines, and the Volunteer Chorus of Quincy.
She was a member of Saint Francis Solanus Church where she sang with the funeral choir for a few years.
Norma is survived by two sons and a daughter: Steven (Jo Anne) Stroot of New Baden, Jeff (Jake) Stroot of Quincy, and Kim (Allen) Scheuermann of Payson.
Ten grandchildren, Jesse (Kari) Stroot of O’Fallon; Jeffrey (Kelly) Stroot and Stephanie (Josh) Weight of New Baden; J.R. (Nate) Fischer; Meegan (Ryan) Fischer, and Katie (Eric) Wait of Quincy; Jessica (Kevin) Gillespie of St. Charles; Shawn (Stacy) Gilmore of Payson; Erich (Erin) Gilmore of Quincy, and Kayla (Brandon) Schmitt of Payson.
24 Great-Grandchildren: Stanley and Jessie Lynn Stroot; Michael, Adilene and Violet Weight of New Baden, Dylan and Devan Fischer; Kaitlyn, Ava and Rylan Fischer; Zoe, Ruby and Dempsey Wait. Bowen and Logan Gilmore all of Quincy; Ella and Noah Gillespie of St. Charles; Layne, Saige and Jayce Gilmore; Faelyn, Auberon and Finn Schmitt of Payson.
A sister-in-law Maxine (Larson) Siefert of Bellevue, WA and many loving nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Kay and Jim Keller; Elaine and Jim Nelson. Her sisters-in-law and their husbands, Edwina (Elmer) Terwelp; Marian (Dick) Seifert and Jeanette (Fritz) Fehrenbacher and her great-granddaughter, Evee Jean Ryan Wait.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church by Rev. Steven Arisman. Interment will be in Quincy Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis Church. Please wear a face mask and observe social distancing guidelines if attending. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, Quincy Notre Dame, or to the Illinois Veteran’s Home Activities Fund.
Service arrangements are with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. www.dukerandhaugh.com
Remembering Norma as she walked the halls of St. Mary Hospital leaving her footprint in the St. Mary Hospital legacy. Sending our sympathy in thoughts and prayers.
Dear distant cousin, I pray for the repose of your soul. Please pray for us! Amen
Most sincere condolences to the entire Stroot family with the passing of your Matriarch, Norma. May she forever rest soundly in peace, knowing you will cherish the memories you shared and also the memories she has left with the rest of us. Michael and Lore Burke
Kim and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace.
I’m so sorry to hear this. She was such a great friend to Mom! I loved all of the Avon lipstick samples she used to give me as a child. And, I’ll never forget Crystal Blue Lake!
Kim, so sorry to hear about your mom. I always enjoyed talking with her. Please give the family our condolences and know we are sending prayers for all.
I am very sorry to learn of Norma’s death. I remember all the times she was at our house selling Avon to mom. I think they did more social talking than anything:) Your mom came to see my mom at Sunset Nursing Home many times, even though it was difficult for her to get around. She was a very sweet lady. May she Rest In Peace.
Enjoyed the weekends we had at Crystal blue lake.
Norma Jean was God’s love incarnate. Her grace and goodness was His special gift to us all. We pray for your family during this time of sadness. It’s heartbreaking to loose such a family icon. Thinking of you all and sending our condolences .
Love , Diane and Phil
We are so sorry for your loss. Norma was such a sweet lady. Our sympathy to the entire family.
What I knew of Norma was she was a warm, loving, caring mother and wife and a friend to all that passed her way. She will be missed by many.
Jeff and Jake, so very sorry for your loss. I am sure the angels carried her into paradise to her husband’s arms. May you find comfort in your memories
Although I knew her name, I’ve only ever referred to Norma as Grandma. That’s just the way she and Stan made you feel. Like you were one of theirs. Her warmth and positive personality infectious. She has left the world a better place for sharing her light.
Kim, so sorry to here about your Mom. You and your family are in my prayers.
Deepest sympathies to Kim and family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss.
Eternal rest Norma.
Chaplain Mark
Blessing Hospital
my deepest sympathy for the family, whom are in our prayers. Norma is a very special lady who I enjoyed listening to, I loved hearing about her life. Most of all was honored to be able to care for her. Heaven gained a beautiful Angel. warms my heart to know she is with her Stan and her precious Evie. My prayers for the family during this time.
JR – I’m so sorry to read this. Thinking of you and your family.
I was sad to read that Norm had passed and thankful that she was with family. Blessings to you.