Norma Holmgren

Ogden, Utah – Norma Scholer Holmgren, age 86, passed away December 1, 2012 while enjoying her morning walk around her beloved neighborhood. She was born May 23, 1926 to Ruby Hinman Scholer and Rudolph Emil Scholer, Jr. in Tremonton, Utah. She lived most of her life in Box Elder County and moved to Ogden in 1991. Norma married Edwin John Holmgren, Jr. (Jay) in 1947 in the Logan, Utah L.D.S. Temple, and they were parents to Randall J Holmgren (Randy). She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership and executive positions in Ward, Stake and Regional levels. Norma was especially proud to have earned her Golden Gleaner award. She spent countless hours of public service including many leadership and executive positions on local, county and state levels (PTA, General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Women’s State Legislative Council, Utah Federation of Women’s Clubs, and Civic and Home Arts Club). She received many awards and commendations including: Citizen of the Year (Chamber of Commerce); Woman of the Year (Utah Federation of Women’s Clubs and Salt Lake Tribune); Woman of the Year (Weber County Youth Community Connection); Clubwoman of the Year (Garland Civic Club); and Civic Beautification (Utah State University). She was a devout Republican and held many executive positions: member of North Box Elder Republican Women’s Club; campaign worker First Congressional District; and delegate to Box Elder County and Utah State GOP conventions. She was also a delegate to the 1964 National Republican Convention and campaigned tirelessly for candidate Barry Goldwater. She served on the following: Bear River Hospital Advisory Board, Bear River Sr. Citizens Advisory Board, Box Elder County Fair Board, Bear River Health Board, and Garland Wheat & Beet Days. Following her graduation from Bear River High School, she attended to wounded soldiers in Brigham City. Having experienced “The Great Depression” and extreme poverty, she had a lifelong appreciation for being able to work and have income. In addition to being employed at several local banks, Thiokol, and a Tremonton law office, she worked on the farm with Jay doing the same work as the men and also cooking three meals a day for hired men on a coal stove and without electricity. In 1976, she was hired by then-freshman U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch as his Northern Utah Area Director for Constituent Services. She enthusiastically worked in that position at the Ogden Federal Building for 26 years until her retirement at age 76. Thank you Senator Hatch for your loyalty and many kindnesses to our mom! Norma will long be remembered for her passion of restoring furniture, collecting dishes and antiques, her infectious laugh, her listening ear, her incredible work ethic, her deep devotion to family, and her strong belief in the power of prayer. She will be tenderly remembered by her son Randy (Julie) of Bountiful; grandchildren Ted, Danny (Maddie), Emily, Johnny and Betsy; great-grandchildren Maverick and Bo; her brother Burke Scholer (Ann Jean); many nieces and nephews; and her fine Home Teachers Clifford and Elizabeth Goff. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jay, and her brother Robert Scholer. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Rogers & Taylor Funeral Home in Tremonton, Utah (111 North 100 East, Tremonton). Prior to the funeral the family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment at Garland City Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.rogersandtaylor.com