Norma Matthews Ward, 85, of Wingate, NC passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. She was born in Charlotte, NC on April 3, 1940, daughter to the late Clark Matthews and Annie McKinney Matthews. She is also preceded in death by her loving husband, Elliot “Doc” Ward two brothers, Calvin Matthews, Edgar Matthews, two sisters, Bertha Rappe, and Judy Allen, and three step-sisters, Josie Mae McKinney, Sadie Barker and Evelyn Lichte.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Norma is survived by her son Michael Rentz and wife Ema Veras-Rentz, daughter, Sharon Rentz, and three sisters, Mary Clark, Sarah May and husband Mayo, Patricia Duncan and husband Rick, seven grandchildren, Megan Kirkland, Ryan Kirkland, Rachel Rentz (Samuel Bowman), Emma Rentz, Elisse Rentz, Samuel Rentz, Isabel Rentz, and one great grandchild, Oli Bowman.

Norma graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC. She began her career with Southern Bell as a switchboard operator and later spent 32 years with Eastern Airlines, retiring in 1991. After retirement, she continued serving her community through work in home health, hospice care, and at Union Regional Medical Center.

She also volunteered with the Wingate Fire Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Together with her late husband, she founded Music For a Cure in Union County, organizing numerous benefit fundraisers to support cancer patients in need. Norma loved listening to Bluegrass and Gospel music at The Old Hargett’s Store, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

The family respectfully asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to a charity or organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Ward Family.