Norma Leona "Lee" was born in Aberdeen, Washington on February 11, 1933 and died on September 16, 2026, at age 93. Her family moved to Salem, Oregon when she was a baby. She attended Bush Elementary School, Lesley Junior High, and Salem High School, graduating in 1951. Lee had three brothers and three sisters. She married John Wenger Sr. in Salem on August 30, 1952. They were married for 67 years before John died in 2020. Lee is survived by her younger brother, Ivan Stode, and her four children John Jr., Mike (Cindy Wenger) Colleen, (Bob Lund), and Jill (Mike Knudson), ten grandchildren, and nine-teen great-grandchildren.

She loved to study and was known for her wonderful teaching gift to children. She passionately worked in Child Evangelism Fellowship for forty years. Her children and grandchildren, also, sat glued to the flannel board as she shared these life-giving stories.

Lee’s assortments of baked pies, cookies, and delicious desserts were a highlight for the family on every special occasion. She skillfully embroidered beautiful towels and pillowcases and gifted them to loved ones. Year after year, she sent birthday, anniversary, and holiday cards to every member of the family, and her friends as well. Lastly, often, she expressed her love for God, animals and nature through her poems and writings.