Norma Elizabeth Blake was born September 27, 1941, the third child of James and Dorothy (Windsor) Blake in Shropshire, England. She was raised on Creamore Farm, Wem, England, which had a proud history in dairy production. Cheese was an important aspect of the Blake farm. Her grandmother was the first in selling Cheshire cheese at the local Chester market. Norma also helped her mother with chickens and eggs, used for cash. Norma graduated from British (equivalent) high school and studied modeling at a finishing school. In 1957, Norma met Jerold Palmer Reishus, of the states, while he was studying agriculture in England. Two years later Norma and her brothers came to the United States to do the same. Norma became a governess in Minneapolis and her brother worked on a farm in Normania Township of Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. Norma and Jerry were married on December 8, 1962, in Wem, England. The wedding brought much attention from the BBC. They returned to the states and settled on Jerry's farm and raised corn, soybeans, wheat, oats and livestock. Norma also worked at The Schwan Food Company in Marshal, Minnesotal. She enjoyed her career and was eventually promoted to a supervisory position. She received numerous rewards and promotions while at Schwans. She loved the people as well as the product-the ice cream. She was active in church both at St. Lucas and St. James Episcopal Church in Marshall. She loved reading her Bible, studying her favorite passages and listening to her tapes of hymns and classical music. She was also a pilot and was one of the first women to solo from Ryan Field, Marshall, Minnesota. She kept close with her British family in calling, writing and trips to England to visit and attend family events such as weddings and holidays. She loved gardening and landscaping. Her backyard and garden were a testimony to years of careful garden planning and maintenance. A day shopping was usually completed by a trip to the garden center and maybe a plant purchase. Her roses and shrubs were extraordinary and her garden was often visited by others. She loved remodeling her home with her children and husband. Re-finishing floors and picking out paint were always fun for her. History and antiques were among her favorite subjects. She loved shopping in Thrift Stores and Antique Shops. Norma developed Parkinson's Disease and heart disease in her 50s. She passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on April 9, 2009, from complications of Parkinson's at the age of 67 years, 6 months and 13 days. She is survived by her daughters: Kristen (and William) Barnett of Canby, Minnesota, Kari (and Steven) Howey of Cottonwood, Minnesota, and son Jay (and Kim) Reishus of Dent, Minnesota. She is also survived by grandchildren: Dylan Howey, Jessica Reishus and Kelly Reishus. Also surviving are siblings: Michael and Roger Blake and Margaret Williams; and half brother and sisters: John Bourne, Stella Apperley and Eileen Probin and their families; and sisters-in-law Karen Sandberg and Julie Blake. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Dorothy Blake; her father-in-law and mother-in-law Alfred Reishus and Edna Reishus Sharkey; brother William Blake; brother-in-law Robert Sandberg; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Cameron and Jean Cleugh. Blessed be her memory. Visitation April 17, 2009 ~ 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:00 p.m. St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Funeral Service Saturday, April 18, 2009 ~ 1:30 p.m. St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Steve Weston "Memories" Roger Blake ~ Barb Thompson ~ Karen Sandberg Organist, Connie Pehrson Congregational Hymns "In the Garden" "Thine is the Glory" "Amazing Grace" "On Eagles Wings" Caske Bearers Jay Reishus ~ Bill Barnett Martin Blake ~ Ross Thompson Chad Gabrielson ~ Wayne VanMaldeghem Final Resting Place St. Lucas Lutheran Cemetery, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota