Norma Delila Reeser
December 4, 1919 – June 26, 2023

It was a cold and snowy day in Oregon on December 4, 1919 when 3 1/2 pound baby Norma Delila Hamilton arrived as the first child of Alvin and Barbara Ella Hamilton. Her parents kept her warm in a little shoe box behind the wood stove. Norma went to heaven on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 103 years and almost 7 months old.
She met the handsome Harvey Reeser at church. He said she would glance at him but turn away when he tried to make eye contact. They married on April 12, 1942. Born to this union were Stanley Reeser (wife Eunice), Sharon Marrs (husband Richard) and Mary Lou Merrill (husband Allan). Baby daughter, Barbara Emma was born October 17, 1957 but died two days later. In 1959 the family welcomed son Robin Eugene Reeser, adopted through Holt International who placed Korean children with American families. Robin was six months old when he joined the Reeser family.
Along with her four children, Norma is also survived by grandchildren Virgil, Tony, Julie, Clay, Cody, Monique, Lynn and Sharla. Her family includes 15 great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren and special foster daughters Bonnie & Lisa. Norma’s love of her life, Harvey Reeser died August 5, 1997. She is preceded in death by 4 siblings.
Harvey and Norma lived most of their lives in the Foster/Sweet Home area and were well known residents of that area. They built a big brick house which was moved damage free to another Foster location to make room for the Foster Dam.
In 1984, they did a senior citizen version of backpacking around the world for three months.
At 91 years old, she decided to “retire” because her perfectly manicured home, yard and garden was getting to be too much to maintain. She moved to the Mennonite Village in Albany in 2011.
After a Dementia diagnosis, she became a member of the caring
family at Harmony House Memory Care in Salem. Norma had faith in God and was an active member of the Mennonite church. She was a loving parent caring for foster children. Norma participated in the Linus Project which provided handmade quilts for children in stressful situations as well as other Christian activities. She was honored for her Linus Project participation by the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce during an annual celebration for outstanding community citizens.

Norma Reeser, you did God’s work with respect, grace and humility.

The family would like to thank Oscar and the loving Harmony House staff for the excellent care they provided Norma while she was a valued member of the Memory Care facility.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 am Saturday July 1st at New Life in Christ Fellowship. Burial will be prior to the service at 9:45 am at Gilliland Cemetery. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.