Norma (Koehler) Amsbary / Custer

Norma Koehler Amsbary Custer passed away on April 20, 2024, at the age of 100 years. She was born on April 20, 1924 to the late Lewis Irvin and Leanna Frame Koehler in Perry County, Ohio. She spent her early childhood in Gloucester before moving to Middleport, where she graduated from Middleport High School. She was married to Dr Kenneth Amsbary, DDS, in 1953, and they had three children. She was widowed in 1964, and she raised her children as a single mother.  In addition to raising a family, Norma stayed active by bowling and golfing.

In later years, she joined the Swingin’ Seniors and learned to clog. The group performed locally at the Meigs County Fair and also traveled to Washington, DC to perform. She understood the importance of friendship and was a charter member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, which continues today, 73 years later. She played bridge well into her 90’s, stopping only due to the pandemic. Norma’s faith was a priority to her, and she was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church. Norma was known within her family for her delightful sense of humor and for her caring of others. 

She was caregiver to her mother for many years within her home. Norma Jean was loved as Mom, Grandma, Nana, Aunt, and friend.

She was preceded in death by husband Kenneth Amsbary, stepdaughter, Lucy Amsbary, husband Hugh Custer, and her siblings Pearl Koehler, Lewis Koehler (Catherine), Betty Koehler, Wanda Haines (Louis), George Richard Koehler (Virginia). 

She is survived by her children: James “Jim” Amsbary (Merri), Melinda Rowland (Mark), Betsy Jones (Brett) and stepson, Michael Custer (Phyllis), as well as six grandchildren: Megan Vennemeyer (Drew), Christa Bitzer (Scott), Emily Acree (John), Craig Jones (Jenah), Kenneth Amsbary (Wendy) and Christian Amsbary (Stefanie).  She will also be missed by her seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

The family kindly suggests, in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made to the American Heart Association. www.heart.org

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 1:00pm at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Pomeroy with Pastor Mark Mitera officiating.  Visiting hours will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home.   Burial will follow at  Riverview Cemetery in Middleport, Ohio. 

The family wishes to thank Ravenswood Village (with special thanks to Melissa and Andrea) for loving and caring for our mother and making us feel like family. We also want to thank Hospice for their special care.

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