Norma Jean Yearley

Norma Jean (nee Van Keuren) Yearley, 104, of Elyria, Ohio, left this world, November 11, 2024, as a beloved matriarch, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience that spanned more than a century. Born July 14, 1920, in Elyria to Harry "Peter" and Lucille Van Keuren, Norma devoted her life to the Elyria community, where her roots ran deep and her impact reached far and wide. Named Norma Jean after the delivery doctor, Norm, and his wife, Jean, she would go on to live a life of remarkable warmth, resilience, and devotion to family. Norma spent her entire life in Elyria, deeply connected to the community she loved, and remained a proud lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.

Norma graduated from Elyria High School in 1938, beginning a family tradition that would carry on with each of her seven children as they, too, graduated from EHS. She married her beloved "roller-skating sweetie," Harry Yearley, September 20, 1940, in the United Methodist Church, where their love and commitment flourished. Together, they created a home filled with faith, laughter, and unwavering dedication to each other and their children.

Norma was a true adventurer at heart, treasuring the times she spent traveling across the United States with her family. She loved camping and embraced the joys of exploration and nature with those closest to her. A woman of community spirit, Norma was a member of the American Legion, a part of the Jolly 60’s, and a volunteer with RSVP St. Mary’s Travelers, always giving back to those around her.

Her legacy of service extended to her work as a nurse, having graduated from Lorain County Community College nursing program and served many years at Allen Hospital in Oberlin. Despite her career achievements, her greatest joy remained her family, which grew to include seven children and their spouses— Dennis (Sharon), Barbara (Denny), Susan (Tom), Craig (Barbara), Norma Jean (Mike), Nancy (Bill) and Amy. Her life was further enriched by 13 grandchildren— Shelley, Tom, Steve, Terri, Jill, Mark, Tom, Heather, Eric, Jay, Elizabeth, Brad and Rachel. God blessed her with the opportunity to see her 26 great-grandchildren thrive: Jack, Max, Caden, Sarah, Rebekah, Caleb, Jake, Sean, Tara, Shane, Jason, Jonah, Jeremiah, Joshua, Jenna, Jessica, Bailey, Caroline, Grant, Leonardo, Viviana, Hunter, Marissa, Sadie Jo, Natalie, Gracie, and received God’s blessing to see her one great-great-grandchild, Cameron, after he was born. She captured the beauty of her growing family in countless photos, preserving the legacy of love for generations to come.

Norma always credited her long life to the blessing of her "wonderful, loving, caring family," and she had an extraordinary memory, able to recall life’s cherished moments until her final days. Her steadfast commitment to family and community will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. As she often said, “My family was my life, and my life was my family.”

In honor of her legacy and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Buckeye High School Soccer, 3084 Columbia Rd. Medina, Ohio, celebrating Norma’s dedication to family, faith and community.

A family service will be held at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria. Norma will be buried with her husband at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

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