Norma Ruth Wagner (née Sked) passed away at her home in Gulf Breeze, Florida, on December 24, 2020, surrounded by family and able to enjoy her beloved sunset view over Pensacola Bay in her final days.
Norma was born on April 23, 1936, in Pennington, New Jersey. She graduated from Hopewell Valley High School and attended Trenton State College. She married her high school sweetheart, Raymond R. Wagner, on October 1, 1955. They built a home together in Pennington and raised their children there.
Norma lost her husband, Raymond, tragically in 1988. Several years later she met her second love, Fred G. Rasweiler. Norma always enjoyed a warm climate, and in 1994 she and Fred relocated to Gulf Breeze, Florida. For the next twenty-six years, her family and grandchildren enjoyed visits with “Nana by the beach.”
Norma was a devout member of Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church, and for many years she volunteered at Interfaith Ministries, helping to provide assistance to underserved citizens in the Santa Rosa community. She was also involved with Impact 100, a nonprofit organization of women dedicated to improving the communities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Norma loved to travel and spent many happy decades exploring the world with her husbands, family, and friends. Her greatest love was her “precious cargo,” her family, which grew large over the years as she brought many dear people into her loving and nurturing embrace.
Norma was preceded in death by her first husband, Raymond R. Wagner, Sr.; her first child, Raymond Lee Wagner; her second husband, Fred G. Rasweiler; her stepchildren Ginny Rasweiler and Rob Rasweiler; her son-in-law, John Douglas Barbee; and her four siblings. She is survived by her three children: Carol Barbee; Raymond R. Wagner, Jr. (Jennifer Kleine); Jenni Stark (John); her stepson, Fritz Rasweiler (Theresa); and by her numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Norma’s radiant smile lit up every room she entered. She brought abundant joy and friendship to countless lives near and far. Those of us fortunate enough to have known her are better people for being part of her life. We love you and miss you Norma, Mom, Nana.
Due to COVID, a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Interfaith Ministries, 4435 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, http://www.interfaith-ministries.org