Norma Lichfield Willie

In loving memory of Norma Lichfield Willie, gracefully journeyed through 90 years of a life well-lived. Born June 19, 1933, in Provo, Utah, to parents Ralph G. and Thora Andrus Lichfield. Norma passed away at her home surrounded by her husband and family on December 21, 2023, after an extended illness. She embraced a passion for life that became the tapestry of her existence. Accompanied by her devoted husband of 68 years, L. Garth Willie, they explored the wonders of our world, together creating a lifetime of cherished memories.

Norma attended her early schooling in Provo before her family moved to Ogden where she graduated from Ogden High School. She attended Weber State University for 2 years before earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Brigham Young University, a testament to her dedication to knowledge and nurturing young minds. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she taught children in inner-city Cleveland, Ohio, leaving an impact on many young lives.

On August 19, 1955 she married the love of her life, L. Garth Willie in the Salt Lake Temple. Together with Garth they raised a loving family, and Norma was the heart that bound her four children, David (Brenda) Willie, Carlsbad, CA; Paige (Roger) Bird, New Albany, OH; Kent (Deona) Willie, Smithfield, UT; and Dana (Steve) Scharmann, Ogden, UT, with unwavering love and wisdom. Her home echoed with laughter, providing a haven for generations.

Most of her life was spent in the Ogden area except for the 6 years they lived in both Cleveland Ohio, as Garth completed his dental schooling and in Smyrna, Tennessee while Garth served in the U.S. Air Force. Although dedicating most of her energy to her family she also at various times was active in the Utah Dental Auxiliary, Weber State University Alumni Board, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, LDS Family Services and many various church callings.  She and Garth together served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio where they made many lifelong friendships.

Norma was a true patriot. She felt family, faith and community were the basis of a strong country and she had a great love for America.  She traveled extensively but no place rivaled home. 

Her faith in the Lord was strong and she leaned upon it during her various health challenges. She never let it slow her down and her children will attest that her strong work ethic was unmatched. 

Norma embodied resilience and grace. Her adventurous spirit knew no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to share in her experiences. She was a master of making the ordinary extraordinary, making her home both physically beautiful and rich in love and warmth. As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life that radiated love, and kindness. Norma will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who were touched by her friendship.

In addition to her immediate family, Norma leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters, Anne Lichfield Burt of Salt Lake City and Linda Lichfield Snarr, of Salt Lake City. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph G Lichfield and Thora Andrus Lichfield and brother, Paul R. Lichfield.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her but no more than her husband who will wait for the day when they will once again be reunited.  

Her family would like to give a special thanks to the many caregivers from Visiting Angels and Hospice. We could not have provided the care and attention she so richly deserved without their generous love and care.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Shadow Mountain Ward, 5191 Old Post Road. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Norma’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.

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