Norma Jean Fenstermaker

Norma Jean Fenstermaker was welcomed into the Cruit family and onto the dairy farm on June 11, 1924 to Merl and Ina Cruit. Two years later, JoAnn joined the family on Wilson Road near Rock Mill. Immediately known for her great smile, hearty laugh, and abounding hugs, Norma embodied these traits for the next nearly 100 years of her life. Her childhood would not be complete without the rite of passage of joining 4-H, and she proudly demonstrated early sewing talents by earning numerous county awards for her projects over the years. Her later recountings of her childhood commute to school brought longer walks and deeper snow she had to trek through with each retelling.  

Adolescence and young adulthood brought downtown Lancaster dances with friends, where her contagious smile caught the attention of the handsome love of her life, Charles “Harold” Fenstermaker. She married him August 16, 1942, and the two proceeded to build a remarkable family and farm life on State Route 37. Passing horns blasted hellos with great frequency as the Fenstermakers, now including Judy, Cheryl, and Lynette, were known to everyone in town. Norma served as the proud cheerleader to her girls’ many activities. 

Farm chores were part of her life. Norma was beside Harold, driving the tractor, baling hay, and sorting hogs and cattle. As each of their daughters’ reached the age of 10, they would be seen driving a tractor themselves. And for the farmhands, the ring of the dinner bell came with the promise of one of Norma’s home-cooked and widely sought-after meals. Norma only stopped cooking later in life when her busy social calendar and love for eating out (and subsequent critiquing of the food) won out over spending any more time over a hot stove. Norma looked after her beloved farmhouse - and extensive wardrobe - for the next 75 years, including her tasteful selection of statement shoes.  

Norma was very active socially and participated in Twig, Fairfield Heritage, Wimodausis, and Lancaster festival music concerts. She loved to watch her grandchildren in sports, band concerts, dance recitals, and of course 4-H. Her tenure with the Fairfield County Fair encompassed 35 years with children’s and grandchildren’s projects. Some of Norma’s favorite family gatherings were Sunday dinners and Black Friday shopping. She was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church and attended and participated in many church events while serving on many committees. Into her 80s, she continued her social traditions of Saturday night dances and shopping trips with “The Women.” 

Norma passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024 at Primrose Memory Care in Lancaster, Ohio with her daughters by her side. Norma’s countless friends and family members will remember her by her positive spirit and the profound connections she made and maintained throughout her life, including those who fondly called her “Grammy”. 

Norma is preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold, parents Merl and Ina Cruit, sister JoAnn Harter, daughter Judy Munshower and sons in law Rodney Crist and Bill Munshower. Cherished and loved by those who remain, her legacy includes daughters Cheryl Crist (Bob Reed) and Lynette (Dave) Walter. She has 7 grandchildren – Kim Kaluger, Kip Crist, Kelley Anderson, Karrie Palmer, Kristin Lutz, Braden and Brandt Walter and 21 great grandchildren -Reid, Trace, Lily, Bradley and Jared, Nyah, Benjamin, Lauren and Alison, Nikolas, Grant and Courtney, Christian, Gabriel, Kaleb, Alessandro, Corey, Kaylynn, Zara and Banks, and August. 

Viewing will be Wednesday, May 8 at Johnson Smith Funeral Home Baltimore, OH 4:00-8:00 PM. Funeral will be held Thursday, May 9 at 10:30 AM at Christ United Methodist Church Baltimore, OH with viewing one hour prior to service. Private burial will be held at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairfield County 4-H Foundation or to Christ United Methodist Church Baltimore OH. 

A special thank you to Primrose Memory Care, Fairfield Hospice, and Bickford of Lancaster for their loving care.  

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.