Norma J. (Zachrich) Barber-Hurst

Norma Barber-Hurst went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Maumee Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Norma was born on April 8th, 1933, to Virgil and Alma (Fouty) Zachrich. She was a graduate of Napoleon High School.  

Norma married the late Charles Barber on November 27,1954. Together, they raised a daughter, Amy and a son, Michael. Norma had several jobs at local establishments in Napoleon before her marriage. Once married and living in Defiance, she worked for The Hubbard Company followed by the City of Defiance as a payroll clerk until her retirement. She also periodically worked for her father at Zachrich’s Trading Post. While she absolutely loved being around the family, she would likely be the first to admit it wasn’t her favorite job, as her father was a fur buyer and the work consisted of preparing recently harvested animals.

Norma’s legacy can be summed up in two powerful words: servant and friend. Her life was centered around helping others and bringing joy to those around her. She gave generously-of her time, her resources, and her ever-present smile-always with a cheerful spirit. What fueled her was not praise or recognition, but the simple joy of knowing she had made a difference. Whether it was providing goods to the church, sharing the beauty of her homegrown flowers, or, for those lucky enough to enjoy them, offering her famous cookies-Norma gave with a heart full of kindness.

When it came to friendship, Norma did something truly remarkable-she made friends with everyone. Her son can attest that even those who didn’t treat her kindly were still met with her trademark smile and warmth. She believed in offering grace, assuming people were simply having a bad day, and treating them as if they were lifelong friends. Inclusion came naturally to her; she welcomed everyone into her circle.

Her greatest passion in life was her children, grandchildren, and extended family. For many years, she was unwavering in her commitment to remembering every birthday with a card or gift-never missing one including for nieces, nephews, cousins, or even their children. She and Charlie faithfully made weekly trips to Maumee to care for their son Mike’s first child, Trevor, for several years. Her car door nearly flew off the hinges every time they arrived. She approached family gatherings with unmatched enthusiasm and energy, pouring herself into every detail. Whether it was preparing meals, tidying up afterward, or eagerly planning the next get-together, she did it all with joy and a deep sense of devotion to those she loved.

After her husband Charlie passed in 2001, Norma married David Hurst of Wauseon. She immediately accepted Dave’s family as her own and integrated the two families as one. Even with Dave’s passing in 2009, the families remain in touch despite great distances between them.

Norma was a proud auxiliary member of the VFW, a place she fondly considered her second home-especially after the addition of the slot machines. There, as everywhere she went, she was well known and warmly regarded, counted as a friend by all who crossed her path.

She was preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Alma Zachrich; husbands Charles Barber and David Hurst; daughter Amy Schaffer; brother Larry Zachrich; sisters Joan Cutler and Germaine Hatfield, brothers-in-law Gene Cutler and Earnest “Junior” Hatfield, and stepson Arthur Batilo.

Norma leaves behind her son Michael (Amy) Barber of Whitehouse, OH, sister Barb (Jack) D’Angelo of Spokane Valley, WA; sister-in-law Diana Zachrich of Castle Hayne, NC; stepchildren, Fritz (Wendy) Hurst of Wilmette, IL, Monty (Rachael) Hurst of San Antonio, TX; John (Sue) Hurst of Roswell, GA; Emily Batilo of the Philippines; grandchildren Chad Font, Laura (Robbie) Pierce, Sarah Font, Trevor Barber, Haley Barber; step grandchildren Danielle Campbell, Valerie (Jason) Cromwell, Rose Marie Batilo, Abigail Batilo, Charlotte (John) Hurst, Jackson Hurst, Georgia Hurst, Kellie (Rob) Winchester, Audrey Curran, David T. (Grace Ann) Hurst, Ryan Hurst, John Michael Hurst and Samantha Hurst; many nieces, nephews and several great grandchildren.

A special note of gratitude goes to Norma’s home helpers who gave her such love, companionship and friendship over the years and to the caregivers at Maumee Pointe who lovingly cared for her in her last year of life.  And special mention to her beloved cat Mishka.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Saint John Evangelist Catholic Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Heartbeat of Toledo.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 9:30-11:30 am at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, OH, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm at Saint John Evangelist Catholic Church in Defiance, OH. Following the mass, Norma will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, OH.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

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