Norma J. Lamb's Obituary
LAMB, Norma J., age 81, of Lebanon, a woman of bold faith, passed away Friday, July 31, 2026, at Otterbein SeniorLife in Lebanon.
Norma was a woman of bold and unwavering faith whose love for God guided every part of her life. Through her years as First Lady of Anchor of Hope Church in Lebanon and her decades of teaching Sunday School, she devoted nearly 50 years to serving God through the ministries of her church. She faithfully served as First Lady for 43 of those years, ministering alongside her husband, Bill, while touching countless lives through her steadfast faith and compassionate heart.
Nothing was more important to Norma than seeing her family come to know Christ. Her greatest calling was caring for her family and serving the Lord. She prayed fervently and fearlessly for each of her five sons, trusting God to do whatever was necessary to draw them to Him. Her home was a place of love, faith, good food, and countless family memories, and she considered raising her family and serving God to be her greatest accomplishments.
Children brought Norma tremendous joy. She was forever encouraging her family to have more babies, humorously insisting there could never be enough grandbabies and great-grandbabies. Every new arrival was welcomed with excitement, celebrated as another precious blessing from God, and treasured from the very beginning.
She had a special gift for gardening and enjoyed growing flowers, planting trees, and tending a large vegetable garden filled with fresh tomatoes and other produce. She often shared plants and garden starts with her children, passing along both her knowledge and her love for watching things grow.
Many of the vegetables from Norma’s garden eventually found their way to her kitchen, where she was known as a talented and generous cook. When her children were growing up, she prepared complete home-cooked meals that often included fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes with homemade gravy, chili spaghetti, and other family favorites. Much of her cooking was done in her trusted cast-iron skillet, a fixture in her kitchen that seasoned countless family meals over the years. Her lemon meringue pie was especially loved. Holiday meals were never complete without her famous deviled eggs, a tradition her family especially looked forward to at Christmas, Easter, and other gatherings. Mealtime was about far more than food to Norma. It was a way of bringing her family together and making certain everyone felt cared for.
Fishing was another pastime Norma loved, especially when shared with her children and grandchildren. Many of them still smile when they remember her offering a dime to whichever youngster would put the worm on her hook. It was a simple tradition, but one that perfectly reflected her playful spirit and her gift for turning everyday moments into treasured family memories.
Norma also enjoyed taking photographs and was often the one making sure family vacations, holidays, and everyday moments were preserved for years to come. Family members still laugh about her familiar remark, “I didn’t have the flash on,” only to have the camera flash and take one more picture. It became one of those little family traditions everyone expected, and one that still brings smiles whenever old photographs are shared.
Norma also enjoyed browsing antique stores and thrift shops, always appreciating the excitement of discovering a unique treasure or a good bargain. It was one of the simple pleasures she enjoyed throughout her life.
Travel became another way Norma created lasting memories with those she loved. She and Bill enjoyed traveling together to Canada, the Great Smoky Mountains, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Savannah, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and many other destinations. During their earlier years together, they often traveled in a 27-foot camper before later enjoying adventures from the comfort of hotels.
The Great Smoky Mountains became one of Norma and Bill’s favorite destinations and eventually a cherished family tradition. Their trips often included hiking together, driving the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and enjoying favorite restaurants like Pop’s Catfish, The Apple Barn, and The Old Mill. One of their most treasured memories was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in a mountain cabin surrounded by their entire family, a trip they cherished for the rest of their lives.
One of their favorite stories came from a trip to the Black Hills when, without realizing it, they found themselves in the middle of Sturgis during its annual rally. Calling home, they casually mentioned they had stumbled upon “some sort of event,” never realizing they had arrived during the world-famous Sturgis Rally. The story became a source of laughter for years and perfectly reflected their humble nature and the joy they found in life’s unexpected moments.
One of Norma’s most meaningful journeys was a mission trip to Peru and the Amazon rainforest. The experience strengthened her appreciation for the simple comforts often taken for granted at home, including screened windows. More importantly, it reflected her willingness to go wherever she felt God was calling her to serve.
Family traditions were especially important to Norma. Holiday dinners were memorable occasions, and she loved setting the table with her finest dishes, preparing everyone’s favorite foods, and making sure everything was just right. Christmas was one of her favorite times of the year. She delighted in decorating, selecting thoughtful gifts, and wrapping every present with exceptional care. Easter and other family gatherings were treasured opportunities to bring everyone together around the table.
Norma and Bill were high school sweethearts, and their 62-year marriage became a beautiful testimony of love, devotion, and perseverance. In her later years, Bill continued to care for her with remarkable patience and tenderness, faithfully walking beside her through every season of life. Their marriage reflected the promises they had made many years earlier and the steadfast faith that had always been the foundation of their family.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Evan and Jodella Monday. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Bill; five sons, Kelley (Allison) Lamb, Phil (Amy) Lamb, Marc (Lindy) Lamb, Jon Lamb, and E.J. (Lacy) Lamb; her sister, Pat (Richard) Lamb; 10 grandchildren, Crystal (Brad) Coffman, Brittany (Jason) Bowman, Rebecca (Darius) Hughes, Marcus (Holly) Lamb, Kristen Lamb, Brendan (Emma) Lamb, Reese Lamb, Carter Lamb, Hudson Lamb, and Stella Lamb; eight great-grandchildren, Jaden, Elann, Reign, Jubilee, Greyson, Charles, Cora, and Jameson; along with many extended family members, members of her church family, and dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Wednesday, August 5, at Anchor of Hope Church, 1255 Settlemire Road, Lebanon. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 6, at the church, with E.J. Lamb officiating. Burial will follow in Lebanon Cemetery. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anchor of Hope Church Building Fund, 1255 Settlemire Road, Lebanon, Ohio 45036. Condolences may be made to the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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