ST. PETERS, Mo. — Norma "Jean" Renz, 88, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Chestnut Glenn in St. Peters, surrounded by family.

She was born July 1, 1934, in Springfield, Illinois, to John T. Ushman and Annabelle Wood.

Norma graduated from Griffin High School in Springfield. She was married to Norman "Dean" Renz on July 4, 1953, in Springfield. They were married 66 years. Dean was the love of her life.

Norma worked as a cafeteria cook for a school district in Springfield. Norma and Dean were later transferred to St. Louis for a work promotion for Dean. Norma and Dean retired in 1991 while living in O'Fallon, Missouri.

Norma and Dean traveled for six years before living in Mercedes, Texas, for 10 years. In 2006, the couple moved to Cape Girardeau. They spent a total of 24 years in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

Norma and Dean were members of Southside Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Norma enjoyed being a grandma to her granddaughter and to her three great-grandchildren.

Survivors include a son, Michael D. (Donna) Renz of St. Peters; and granddaughter, Jessica (Brian) Crump, and their children, Nathan, Chezney and Cody of Marthasville, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean; daughter, Nancy Jo Renz; and two brothers, Donald and Sonny Ushman.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 19, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Mount Auburn in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at noon Wednesday, April 19, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Estes officiating. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.