A long-time Norton resident recently passed away on November 25, 2020 at age 90.  Mrs. Sylvia A. Scheimo, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, departed this life to go to be with her Lord Jesus Christ for all of eternity.  A resident at Whispering Pines, Sylvia struggled with COPD and other health issues the final years of her life.

Sylvia Arlene Olson was born on January 11, 1930 in Princeton, Minnesota, the fourth of seven children born to Ben and Lillian Olson.  Her family experienced formidable struggles during the Great Depression of the 1930's.  In 1947, Sylvia graduated from Princeton High School. She moved to Minneapolis, where she worked for Sears Roebuck Company starting in early 1948.  Later that year, she met Ronald T. Scheimo, who had just started employment there on a school work program.  In July of 1949, Ronald joined the Marine Corps Reserve.  On November 19, 1949, Ron and Sylvia were married.  In June of 1950, Ron was called to active duty, due to the Korean War.  Because of the requirements of the military, Sylvia and Ron had to make temporary homes not only in Minneapolis, but later in Santa Ana, California and Memphis Tennessee.  Following the war and Ron's discharge, they established their home in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.  Four children were born to Sylvia and Ron, including Thomas, Deborah, Nancy and Audrey.

Ron enrolled in Bible College in 1953 to prepare for the ministry.  In 1959, they moved their family to Norton, where they pastored the Full Gospel Church (now Cornerstone Church).   In the years that followed they pastored churches in Goodland, KS; Hays, KS; Lakewood, CO; Flagler, CO; Levant, KS; Beaver City, NE and Smith Center, KS; as well as returning to pastor again in Norton.  Health issues finally led Sylvia and Ron to retire.

In all these moves around the country, Sylvia always worked to make a good home for her family.  She loved hosting guests, visiting with friends and family, dining out, reading good books, being involved in her church and creating wonderful dinners and desserts.  Sylvia taught children of various ages in Sunday classes at the different churches they served during her life.

Music was an important part of Sylvia's life, and she and Ron loved to sing, whether solo, in small groups or in choirs.  Sylvia played the piano often in these arrangements, as well as being a congregational pianist at many of the churches they pastored.  Music was an important part in her home also, and visitors often heard selections from Sylvia and Ron's collection of Gospel music.  Gospel music was a way for Sylvia to rejoice in her faith in God and to proclaim His mercy and grace.

All those who knew Sylvia for a long time remember her dedication to Jesus, her attention to her family and to her church life.  Despite all the difficulties she experienced in life, she kept trusting in God to help her through every problem.  Sylvia was always glad to tell people about how Jesus made all the difference in her life, accomplishing great changes in her from the way she was before she became a Christian.  She always hoped that if anyone saw anything good in her, they would realize it was God's mercy, grace and power that made it all possible.

Sylvia was glad to share with people her confidence that she would go to Heaven someday, and that this was not because she had earned it through good works, since The Bible says in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Trusting that God is true to His Word, Sylvia found peace and assurance in what the Bible says in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all our unrighteousness."

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, daughters Nancy and Audrey and all of her siblings.  Those surviving Sylvia in her immediate family include her husband Ron, her son Tom and his wife Hope, daughter Debbie and her husband Sam Pessoa, son-in-law Del Stewart, grandchildren Eric & EunHee Scheimo, Sarah Friesner, Justin Scheimo, Daniel Pessoa, Beth & Matt Asselein, Kristin Stewart and great-granddaughter Julia Scheimo.

Family members will meet for a private small memorial service at a future date.  Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg is in charge of the final arrangements. Interment will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Wakeeney, Kansas, at a future date.  Memorials may be made to South Africa Evangelistic Mission, P.O. Box 851, Hudson, WI 54016.