Norma June Arnall (Tring)

Norma June Arnall (Tring) was born June 5, 1937, in Willowick, Ohio. She passed unexpectedly on March 30, 2023, in Bakersfield, at the age of 85.

Norma grew up in Willowick with one sister and two brothers: Floy Kathryn Ballard (Tring), Thomas William Tring and Wallace George Tring. After graduating from high school, she worked for General Electric in their lamp plant. In the late 1950s, Norma and her brother Wallace hit the road and moved to California, where Norma was able to continue her employment with GE. Wallace went to work for PG&E, where he became friends with Richard Arnall. After introductions, Rich and Norma began dating. Their first date took place in San Francisco, where they ate dinner in Chinatown and attended a stage play. Their relationship continued to grow, and they married on July 9, 1960. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.

They welcomed their first daughter, Audrey Ann, on Oct. 12, 1961, Peri Elizabeth was born Nov. 28, 1963, and finally Craig Asa joined the family on Aug. 30, 1968.

The family initially settled in San Lorenzo, later moving to Marysville, Antioch, Avenal, back to Antioch, Shafter and finally Bakersfield.

Norma's main role was being a mom to her children, but she also enjoyed 20 years of working outside the home for H&R Block as a tax preparer. She completed her own taxes every year until her death.

Norma enjoyed cooking, dancing (square dancing and social dancing) and sewing. In fact, she was such a good seamstress, she made her own wedding dress.

She and Rich loved adventure. They traveled the United States, pulling a travel trailer for many years. In 1978, the family embarked on a road trip across the states that took them through 25 states. As a couple, Norma and Rich enjoyed six cruises that took them to Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean. They also enjoyed international travel to such places as Japan, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Greece.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Ardis and Norman Tring; brother Thomas William Tring and daughter Audrey Ann.

Norma is survived by husband, Richard; daughter, Peri Elizabeth Walsten; son, Craig Asa Arnall and his wife Julee Anna; nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; sister Floy Kathryn Ballard (Tring); brother Wallace George Tring; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at Peters Funeral Home, 844 E. Lerdo Hwy., Shafter, in their chapel. She will be interred at Bakersfield National Cemetery at a later time.