Norma Jean Schaer

Norma Jean (Smalley) Schaer was born December 4, 1933, in Buhl, Idaho. She passed away peacefully at the age of 90, at her home in Twin Falls County, in the early morning hours of

Saturday September 7, 2024, in the presence of her son. She had been under the extraordinary home hospice care of Hospice Visions and their kind and compassionate staff since June of 2023.

Norma, or Jean as she was known to most people who knew her, grew up close to the Snake River between Buhl and Hagerman in northwest Twin Falls County in the area of the fish hatcheries and Sligars hot springs during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. She was the sixth born child in a family of eight children born to Edward and Myrtle (Worley) Smalley. Her father was a farmer, and he grew crops and raised livestock and Norma Jean had many fond memories of her happy childhood surrounded by her four brothers, Fred, Roy, Bob, and Norman, affectionately known as “Chip”, and her three sisters, Ellen, Opal and Marge. She was fond of her good neighbors and friends and her extended family of cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces.

She went to elementary school at Lucerne and high school in Buhl where she graduated in 1952. On November 6, 1954, she married John Charles Schaer at Clover Lutheran Church southeast of Buhl. In 2021 they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. 

In 1955 John was drafted into the United States Navy and Norma and John spent part of Johns service living in Hawaii. After the Navy they farmed in the Magic Valley around Castleford and Hazleton and later in the Mud Lake area of Jefferson County in Eastern Idaho.

In 1965, John went to work in Northwestern Bonneville County west of Idaho Falls for a gentleman farmer named Dudley Tucker. John and Norma worked with Dudley and Mrs. Tucker and their family of nine children for 14 years until 1979. During this time, they had two children of their own in 1966 and 1969. Their son Jeff would like to extend a special thanks to Dudley and Joyce and the entire Tucker family especially Laurie, Mark, Reed, Carla, and Suzy for such a special and remarkable adventure on the Arco Desert of spud harvest, tractors, trucks, log cabins, and unique living. It was such a fun way to grow up, and I will always miss those long-ago days.

After 1979 Norma went to work at the Credit Bureau of Idaho Falls for 18 years after which she and John moved back to their Magic Valley roots. From 1998 until 2007 Norma worked at Twin Falls Collection and Recovery. Afterward, she enjoyed 15 years of retirement with her husband in the country south of Twin Falls.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; 7 siblings; and husband, John. 

She is survived by her son, Jeff Schaer; and daughter Julie (Jack) Wood.

Norma’s family would like to extend a special thanks to her very special niece Kelly Rust who always helped her over the years and during her last years, made the special effort to come to her house and do her hair every other month. A special thanks goes out to each and every one of the exceptional staff at Hospice Visions, you are the best in the field, and you made a hard situation not only bearable but a time of happiness and fond memories. Most of all we express our gratitude to nurse’s aide Marie Baumhardt, her empathy, understanding, patience and wisdom are unsurpassed. May she succeed in all that she does.

Norma Jean contributed to her country as a mother, Navy wife, farmers wife, homemaker, aunt, sister, neighbor and friend. She touched many lives in a gentle and positive way. Norma was one of a kind and she will be sadly missed.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Clover Lutheran Cemetery, 3557 N 1825 E, Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Norma’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.