Norma Jean Rist

Rist, Norma Jean K. Norma Jean is safely home with her Lord and Savior. She was born in Manhattan, KS, to Dr. Myron and Audrey Kromminga, on January 8, 1946, and entered into eternal life on February 24, 2024, at the age of 78, in Lynchburg, VA, at Westminster Canterbury.

She grew up in Centerville, South Dakota, and had many fond memories of going out with her father as he made veterinary house calls to nearby farms. Always eager to help, she also taught her younger sister Ruthie to read before she went to school. In her youth, Norma Jean was a baton twirler and in high school played the saxophone in the band, where her future husband Boyd, played the tuba. In 1968, she graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Following graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart, Dr. Boyd Clifton Rist, PhD, on August 10, 1968.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Minneapolis, MN, where Boyd completed his Masters Degree in History and Norma Jean worked at Marvin Oreck’s, a women’s clothing store. Shortly after, they moved to Brainerd, MN, where Boyd taught at Brainerd Junior College.

In 1973, Norma Jean and Boyd moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, in order for Boyd to complete his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. At that time, they also began careers at Liberty University (then Lynchburg Baptist College), she with the English department and he with the History department.

In 1982, the couple was blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Emily Ruth, who has been a great source of joy for her parents. Emily is now a violinist with the North Carolina Symphony.

Besides spending time with family and friends, among Norma Jean’s favorite things to do were being an active member of the Lynchburg Bird Club, Virginia Society of Ornithology, American Association of University Women, and attending concerts of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. She also enjoyed volunteering at schools, especially with the Lynchburg City School Strings and Suzuki programs, attending Faith 2 Faith Life Group at Thomas Road Baptist Church, and attending Peakland Baptist Church. Norma Jean had many wonderful memories of attending Emily’s violin recitals and concerts, visiting family and historic sites, and shortly before Boyd’s passing in 2014, trips to national parks and Norway. She was well known for her vivacious personality and loquacious character. Her daughter joked that her husband always knew when Norma Jean called because Emily would say “hello” and then “ok, bye” about 45 minutes later.

She is survived by her daughter Emily Glover, son-in-law David, granddaughter Maia, sister, Ruth Irvin, brother-in-law Richard, and niece, Margo (Scott Baez). She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Boyd. “To God be the Glory, great things He has done.” Norma Jean was thankful for all those who enriched her life in countless ways.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Westminster Canterbury and her hospice team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Society of Ornithology, Lynchburg Bird Club, AAUW, and the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, or to an organization of the donor’s choice.

A private burial will be at Virginia Memorial Park, with a Celebration of Life to be held at a future date.