Norma Jean Fullerton Weidenheller (1933-2010)
Norma Jean Fullerton Weidenheller, 76, has joined the heavenly choir, playing piano and singing the praises of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as of Jan. 29, 2010. She was born April 11, 1933, the second daughter of the late Jessie Louise Harris Fullerton and Claude "Bud" Dextel Fullerton. She attended Ashland Schools, was involved in many school activities, and graduated from Ashland High in 1951. She worked for Columbia Gas before marrying her husband of 54 years, John T. Weidenheller. She later joined him in the family business, the Hatcher Produce and Feed.
Norma learned to play the piano at an early age and used her musical gifts in service to Liberty Missionary Baptist Church where she was the church's pianist for close to 40 years. When they sold the farm, they moved into town and became members of Unity Baptist, where she continued to be active in the choir and dramas. She also used her musical gifts to teach others. She was a piano teacher to many students through the years, earning her Kentucky Music Teachers Association certification at Kentucky Christian College. She was a past president of AAKMTA and performed in KMTA teacher ensembles. Her students performed in the KMTA state competitions. She followed her students closely through the years, playing at several of their weddings.
Norma loved to travel and one of the highlights would have been her trip to Israel. She and John took several trips out West visiting the National Parks.
She was preceded in death by her in-laws, John and Christine Weidenheller; and brother-in-law, Tom Weidenheller.
She is survived by her husband, John; a sister, Mary Jo Baum of Deltona, Pa., a brother, John D. Fullerton; a sister, Nancy Edmond (Gary) of Ashland; two nieces, Gail Baum Bennett (Leland) of San Jose, Calif., and Cathy Edmond Hanson (Joe) of Raceland; three nephews, David Baum (Diane) of Lakewood, Calif., Richard Edmond (Kelley) of Oceanside, Calif., and David Edmond (Mindy) of Ashland; and 9 great nieces and nephews, Sarah, Emily and Mussie Hanson, Katelyn Bennett, Hunter and Haley Edmond, Ryan, Jesse and Megan Edmond. Norma loved children and they all loved her. Her nieces and nephews have fond memories of time spent with John and her.
A celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2009 at the Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel with Dr. Floyd Paris. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, and at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland.
A scholarship with the Ashland Area KMTA is being set up in Norma's memory for students attending KMTA All-State Ensembles. Donations can be sent in care of Linda Sturgill, 4350 Willard Drive, Ashland, KY 41101, treasurer of AAKMTA. Contributions may also be given to Unity Baptist Church, 2320 29th Street, Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.
