Nora Ann (‘Norann’) Blough, 82, of Ulster Park

ULSTER PARK » Nora Ann (“Norann”) Blough was peacefully called home to God at the Maple Ridge Community in Ulster Park, N.Y., on Oct. 5, 2017. She was 82 years old.

Norann was born Dec. 14, 1934, to Harold and Gladys Royer in Ames, Iowa. She was predeceased by her husband, Dwight L. Blough, and is survived by their 12 children.

Norann was the child of missionary parents and spent much of her childhood in Nigeria. Her parents’ lives of service and their dedication to the Christian faith profoundly influenced her.

Norann met Dwight Blough while studying teaching at McPherson College, Kansas. They married in August 1954.

As newlyweds, Dwight and Norann joined lively discussions with fellow McPherson students and professors, seeking an answer to the question of how to live a life of service to Christ. The Woodcrest Bruderhof in Rifton, N.Y., looked like an exciting possibility.

In the fall of 1956, they left their circle of friends and family in the Midwest to see for themselves. Within weeks, they knew they had found an answer, and a calling. They plunged themselves into their new life in the Woodcrest school and community.

In 1965, the growing family moved to Oak Lake Community (now New Meadow Run) in Farmington, Pa. From that time on, Dwight and Norann were asked to serve as pastors of the community. They loved their work with the youth, often taking them camping and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Both were active in service work in the neighborhood.

These golden years of their marriage ended tragically on Dec. 30, 1974, when Dwight was killed in an airplane accident on Chestnut Ridge, near Brownfield Hollow, Pa. Dwight and Norann had been married for 20 years. This devastating loss changed the course of Norann’s life, and that of her children, who were left without their father.

The family wishes to thank the many members of the local area who were involved in the search and rescue efforts for the plane; including the Sheriff’s Department, State Police, and Civil Air Patrol. Their love and ongoing support over the years has been a source of encouragement to the family.

In later years, Norann poured her energy into every encounter with another person, whether as a librarian with children, as a mentor to young people, or as a friend with time and a listening ear for anyone.

Norann is survived by her children and their spouses: Cynthia and Loren Snavely, Stephen and Marcia Blough, Peter and Elna Blough, Kent and Sandy Blough, Michael and Emmy Maria Blough, Rosanne and Nathan Maendel, Susan and Jeremy Maendel, Andrew and Gerda Blough, JoAnn and Tony Fischli, David and Carmen Blough, Bennie and Renate Blough, Christoph and Linda Blough; 73 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

Norann leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness to her family and her church. She dedicated her life to Jesus, who held her through the darkest hours of grief and suffering. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband Dwight at the New Meadow Run Bruderhof Cemetery in Farmington, Pa.

“Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4)