Norma G. Hitchings Smith

Norma Grace Hitchings Smith, 94, of Findlay, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on Friday, July 17, 2026. She was born on August 1st, 1931, to Manfred, Sr. and Cora (Varner) Bobenmyer. On July 1, 1951, Norma married Robert Hitchings at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arcadia. He preceded her in death on October14, 1972. She later married Richard Smith, Bluffton, and although they later divorced, they remained friends.

Norma graduated from Arcadia High School with the Class of 1949, and although she was only with them for their senior year, she had lifelong friendships with many of her classmates. After graduation, Norma was a secretary at Mennel Milling until she and Robert started their family. When their children were older, she worked at RCA and Ford Autolite which was later Honeywell. After retiring, Norma volunteered for the after-school tutoring program at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arcadia.

Norma was a wonderful, devoted, loving, and supportive mother who was extremely proud of her family. She encouraged each of her children to pursue their dreams. She was always there with a listening ear and wise advice, fully supporting them through the happy, good times as well as the difficult. She enjoyed all her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s activities, including 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, musical and theatrical performances, and sports.

Having the entire family together was the greatest delight in Norma’s life. Holiday family gatherings were usually an all-day affair, filled with laughter, sharing family stories, euchre competitions, and great food. She loved having all her grandchildren at her home for sleepovers, and they all have wonderful memories and great stories to share of those times. She later found great joy watching the great grandchildren play at her home.

Besides spending time with family, Norma enjoyed being in the kitchen cooking, and canning and freezing fruits, vegetables, and turkey. She was an outstanding cook, and soon after arriving to visit her, she was offering to fix something to eat. Her hobbies included sewing, cross stitching, embroidery, and doing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed traveling, family trips to Cedar Point, and tending to her flowers. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Arcadia.

Norma was a shining example of the Greatest Generation. Growing up during the Depression, she learned to make the most of what she had. She and her siblings drew strength from each other during those difficult times and formed extremely close bonds. She had both a strong moral compass and work ethic that she instilled in each of her children. Two important words describing Norma’s approach to life are strength and perseverance. Throughout her life, Norma faced many very difficult times, including raising a special needs son, having a still born daughter, Robert’s long-term illness followed by his unexpected death leaving her to finish raising their young family, a car accident that affected her physically for the rest of her life, battling cancer, and a very serious illness of a son. Yet, through it all, Norma relied on her faith to get her through with strength, dignity, and grace.

Norma’s family will cherish their memories of all the fun, laughter, deep conversations, and the precious times spent with her, as well as all her stories. She was always kind and patient, with a listening ear, sharing her strength and wisdom. She will be greatly missed!

Norma is survived by her children Barbara Bormuth, Larry Hitchings, John (Chris) Hitchings, and Timothy (Jackie) Hitchings; her grandchildren are Rachel Bormuth, Laura (Josh) Tattrie, Kallie (Chris) Allen, Johnathon (Mary) Hitchings, Amanda (Joe) Dudics, Tyler Hitchings, and step grandson Phillip (Rachelle) Bormuth; her great-grandchildren are Amelia, Danny, Sophia, Maria, Ford, Kenley, Maddie, Brea, and step great grandsons Noah and Nick Bormuth. Norma was looking forward to the birth of her next great-grandchild expected in late October. She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Hamilton and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Robert and infant daughter Jennifer, Norma was predeceased by her son-in-law, Paul Bormuth, sisters Evelyn Scheele and Donna McClure, brothers Manfred, Jr., and David, sister-in-law, Hilda Bobenmyer, and brothers-in-law Richard Scheele, Noval (Don) McClure, and Edward Hamilton, Sr.

Norma’s wishes are for a private graveside service with immediate family at Arcadia Cemetery. The family plans a celebration of life at a later date. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to Trinity Lutheran Church, Arcadia. HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay (419-422-1500) has been entrusted with her arrangements.