Norma J. Hiner
Norma J. Hiner, 86, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025 at Brethren Care Village in Ashland, Ohio. Born January 5, 1939, in Tiffin, Ohio, to Harold and Doris (Stewart) Shumaker, she graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School, class of 1957. She then graduated from Ohio Northern University where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority having earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. Norma met her husband Henry at Ohio Northern; they married on June 16, 1963, at Washington Street Methodist Church in Tiffin and would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary this summer.
Her career began at Massillon General Hospital pharmacy moving to Mansfield General Hospital pharmacy after getting engaged and later worked in the pharmacy she and Henry owned in downtown Ashland; originally at 6 East Main Street and later at 34 West Main Street. She was a pharmaceutical consultant for Good Shepherd Home in Ashland while owning the pharmacy.
Norma was a Lifetime Member of Altrusa International, Inc. Norma joined Altrusa International in 1968 as a member of the Ashland, Ohio club. Never seeking recognition, Norma worked quietly to improve the lives of the people she met and to make the world a better place. She was active with the Ashland Altrusa club when they began the Meals on Wheels service project.
Over the years, Norma served at the local, district and international levels in a variety of positions; Ashland Club President twice, Governor-Elect for Altrusa District Five from 1982-1984 covering clubs in Ohio and Michigan. With strong leadership skills, she advanced into the role of Governor for the District from 1984-1986. Norma was elected as Altrusa International Second Vice President serving from 1987-89, followed by International President-Elect from 1989-1991.
In July 1991 Norma was installed as International President of Altrusa International (1991-1993). This was a historical highlight for Altrusa District Five members as well as the Ashland Club. In her role as International President she traveled the world extensively, making friends along the way, visiting four of the seven continents. She was particularly fond of New Zealand, visiting there several times. After her International presidency, Norma served on several International Committees including Nominating, Restructuring, and Member Bylaws, Resolutions and Recommendations.
When the Ashland club disbanded in 2001, Norma joined Altrusa of Mansfield, Ohio. In 2009 Norma received the Ann Deley Award from the Mansfield club. This award honors a Mansfield Altrusa member who is respected in her field of endeavor and is exemplary in her contributions to the club and local community. In 2018, the Mansfield club established the Norma Hiner Award which is given to a District Five club that supports member growth, leadership and achievement. This award continues today.
Norma served as Chapter Chairman of the Red Cross Ashland Chapter and was a CPR instructor/trainer. She served on council at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland for 5 yrs as Vice President and Lay Leader of the congregation, and as Secretary. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Ashland Women’s Symphony League. She served as Treasurer of the North Central Ohio Pharmaceutical Association and was active in Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well as the Girl Scouts of North Central Ohio.
Norma was named as a Woman to Watch by the American Association of University Women. She served on the founding board to establish Hospice of North Central Ohio in Ashland County. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed watching Ohio State and Cleveland Browns football, Cleveland Indians baseball and participated in the Ashland Country Club Foreplay golf league, as well as collecting multiple 200 game pins in her bowling league.
Norma had a dry, but witty, sense of humor, and could hit you with a perfectly placed one-liner when you least expected it. She enjoyed the whimsy of Hallmark’s Maxine calendars and most nights stayed up late into the night reading, although Mark and Dave suspect that may have been an excuse to make sure they got home safely when they were younger.
She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Doris, brother Robert and his wife Pat, survived by her husband Henry, sons Mark (Veronica) and David (Cari), grandchildren Jessica (Brad) Delaney, Mathew (Alison) Hiner, Alexandria, Katherine, and Patrick Hiner and great-grandchildren Kayleigh and Jacob Delaney.
A celebration of life reception will be held at Brethren Care’s Wellness Center on June 21st from 3 to 6 PM and all of her friends and family are welcome to attend. Donations in her memory may be made to the Altrusa Club of Mansfield, PO Box 1324, Mansfield, Ohio 44901.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.