Norma Alexander

Norma was born to Fred, Sr. and Lucy Norma Beiser on July 2, 1919. She was the second of eight children. She was born near Ingalls, Kansas. The family moved from Kansas to Montana, Oklahoma, Colorado, and back to Kansas during the depression which meant Norma and the others attended many different elementary schools, but the children did well scholastically because both parents had been teachers. The Beisers moved to Fairview, Oregon in 1937. Norma married Barney Ellis Alexander on May 16, 1938 after graduating from Gresham Union High School and Northwest Business School. They had 4 children: Nancy Jean (Jeanie) Rudy Lynn, Max Ellis, and Cheryl Ann all of whom survive.

Norma lived in Fairview, Gresham, Boring, and Estacada over the past 76 years.

During WWII Norma worked at Swan Island as a “Rosie Riveter” and was the only woman there to earn a certificate as a 3-plate welder.

Norma was active in church work most of her life as a Sunday School teacher and in music. She possessed a strong unwavering faith and anticipated christs’ return since she was young. She and Barney were among 22 founding members of Gresham Foursquare church whose 1st pastor was J. Emery Brunnett (approximately 1955) and later Jerry Cook. Seven years later other founding members included: J/M Brunk, Dorothy Strait, MM/Farrier, M/M Sinclair and Perry McConkey. Stu and Irene Hunter came later.

Norma worked at Sexton Estate after WWII and a short while at Sears. She then worked as a secretary at Orient Grade School, then transferred to the Multnomah County Health Department. She retired from Multnomah County after 31 years of service. She worked out of the home when many women didn’t.

She loved plants and flowers and belonged to 2 garden clubs for many years.

After Barney died in 1990, Norma sold her house in Boring and moved into a mobile home in Estacada on her daughter Cheryl’s property where she resided for 20 years. This allowed her to remain semi-independent in her own home as she strongly desired. Her last years in Estacada were quite active with Bible studies, garden club, etc. in spite of struggles with acute diabetes and gradual loss of her eyesight the last 5-6 years of her life.

She is survived by her 3 children, one son Rudy Lynn preceded her July 13, 2013, 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. Five brothers (Fred Ted, Charles, Forrest, & Hugh Baby, preceded her in death. A brother, David Beiser and sister, Mary Ruth Scott, survive along with many other relatives.

Norma would like to be remembered for her faith and love of family and friends. As her health declined, she looked forward to a home in Heaven more and more.

A Celebration of Norma's Life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 18, 2014 in Kid City at East Hill Church, 695 N. Main, Gresham OR 97030. Private interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to East Hill Church Benevolent Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, Oregon.