Norma Metz

On a cold, crisp Saturday morning October 2, 1920, at 11:30 A.M., Norma Ruth Shoman Metz was born at home, 101 Walnut Street, Coshocton, Ohio. Her Mother, Carrie (McNabb) Shoman said, “Just in time for lunch.” It was the last day of the Coshocton County Fair, and Dr. James G. Smailes was not happy about Norma’s arrival. It caused him to miss the horse races. He was a wonderful doctor and liked to kid. Norma’s Father, John Franklin (Frank) Shoman, cried when Norma was born, he was so happy to have another little girl. Frank from that moment on called his precious little girl “Sunshine.” He taught Norma her ABC’s and numbers, even after working 12-hour days.

Frank Shoman was born September 12, 1883, and died April 21,1969 at 1 A.M. Norma died almost exactly at the same time on the same day, April 21, 2023. Frank was the son of Alfred and Katherine (Browand) Shoman. Her Mother Carrie Bell (September 27, 1889 - January 8, 1957) was the daughter of James and Nancy (maiden name?) McNabb also of Coshocton.

Her beloved brother, Alfred Shoman Sr. (deceased), was at the dump with his wagon the day Norma was born. A neighbor, Fern Burries, told him that he had a baby sister. He rushed home, but stopped to buy her a rattle at Woolworth’s. Norma has always kept her brother’s gift in a special place.

Norma had a brother (James), who passed away prior to her birth, and a sister (Leone), who was most probably a victim of the flu epidemic of 1918. She had eaten a piece of green candy just before becoming ill and died twelve hours later. Never again was there a piece of green candy in the Shoman or Metz home! James died soon after his birth at three months. Carrie and Frank forever missed Leone and James, talking of them often.

The Coshocton County Fair again was part of Norma’s life when she had her first date with John Edwin Metz, her future husband (m. September 29, 1940). John was the only date Norma ever had. The day started well with a footlong hotdog. Norma had never been on a fair ride, and her first was the Ferris Wheel. The day ended badly when on the ride she became sick and vomited on both her and John. She told John that she needed to go home. John said, “Well, I don’t know what else you can do!”

Norma worked at the Greyhound Bus Station on Third Street during the war. She took the job that John had before enlisting in the Navy. They worked until 3 A.M. learning how to write a bus ticket the day John had to leave for basic training. Norma started and when the owner, Mr. Wilson, gave her a paycheck that was 30% less than John made, her response was quick, “Oh, no! I get the same pay as John.” Norma was a modern woman in many ways and Mr. Wilson agreed and complied.

Norma and John saved every penny during the War, and that money financed the buying of People’s Ice in Coshocton. People’s went on to sell Stroh’s and Miller beer (Norma never tasted it!) and had a furniture store with her brother Alfred Sr. Later, John and Norma owned and managed a popular restaurant, Andy’s. Norma was the well-liked “landlord” of many single-family homes in Coshocton. The people who rented them always speak of her kindness when they were a little short.

John and Norma had two children James Edwin (Dana Herreid) and Susan (Richard Guthrie), both of Coshocton. Norma has two grandchildren from her son, Chloe Metz (Steve Powers) and Karl (Mary) and four great grandchildren, Wyatt and Dashiell (Chloe and Steve of New York City) and Max and Tala (Karl and Mary of Redwood City, California).

Norma’s brother’s (Alfred Sr) son, Alfred Shoman Jr, was raised alongside Jim. Alfred Jr (Cheryl) passed away in 2021. Alfred had three children (Elizabeth, Mathew, and Stephanie).

Norma spent her last years at Windsorwood Assisted Living, which she loved and became a bingo expert winning many prizes. They always had a supply of vanilla ice cream, Norma’s favorite. The staff took exceptional care of her every need. She was attended by Carolynn Lewis, whom she loved. Norma became an advisor to many, relying on her many years of experience. Her room was a busy place most days.

Norma will be missed by many. She was almost 103, loved every day, and professed her love for Jesus to all with a smile. Her favorite saying was, “Believe.” She and John decided before his death that “if there was a place” he would be waiting. Rest assured, they are walking today, picking forget-me-nots and violets with their little dog Timmy. John is on the lookout for 4-leaf clovers for the rest of us.

Norma will leave this world just as she came into it, as a ray of Sunshine.

Norma and John were lifelong members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Coshocton, and served it in many roles. Norma will be in the Trinity (Seventh and Main, Coshocton) one more time for her funeral service to be celebrated at noon on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Interment will follow at South Lawn Cemetery. Visitation is at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home (186 Park Ave, Coshocton) Friday 5-8 P.M. A second visitation will be prior to celebration Saturday 11-12 P.M at Trinity.

Donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church (705 Main Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812 Phone: 740-622-0860).