Norma Gerlach

Norma M. Gerlach, 86, of Sebring, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Crandall Medical Center in Sebring. Norma was born in Massillon, Ohio on March 13, 1923 the daughter of the late William S. and Marie E. (Heckendorn) Osborne. Mrs. Gerlach, graduated from Washington High School in Massillon in the class of 1941, Paul Brown’s last year at Massillon, then she graduated from Ohio Wesleyan College in 1946. She was a member of the Union Avenue United Methodist Church in Alliance. Norma taught in the Brewster Elementary School, the Wayne County Vocational School, the Perry Local Schools and also in the Massillon Public Schools. Norma will always be remembered for her open door policy and support of all her students. Mrs. Gerlach was a member of the East Central Ohio Retired Teachers Association, the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, a member of the Literary Club in Alliance, Past President of the Canton Chapter of the Monnett Club and a former member of the Board of Directors at Ohio Wesleyan College. Survivors include her daughter Catherine Marie Gerlach of Millersburg, Ohio, a son Ronald Arthur Gerlach of Bolivar, Ohio, three grandchildren, a sister Marilyn Dommer of Findlay, Ohio and a brother Ronald Osborne of Dayton, Ohio. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her three brothers; William F., Franklin D., Walter Osborne and a sister Helen Briesel. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 1PM at Bennett Chapel, Copeland Oaks in Sebring with Rev. Hoyt Wilhelm officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home the hour prior to the service. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com.

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