Norma Ann Kruth Eggli was born in Ukiah, California, on March 20, 1958, to Alfred and Annette Kruth (Lofgren). On Nov. 15, 2024, she left this world for a better place. She was always strongly committed to her Christian faith, and now she is at home with her savior, Jesus Christ.

From her earliest days Norma exhibited a talent for teaching, becoming a tutor during her high school years. After high school, Norma attended Mendocino College in Ukiah, then enrolled at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math and science.

In the summer of 1981, she married Paul Eggli, of Santa Barbara, and enrolled at Biola University where she earned a teaching credential in secondary education.

Beginning in 1983, their quiver began to be filled with the arrival of Benjamin, then Peter, then Ruth, and lastly, Hannah.

Beginning in 1995, Norma homeschooled her children through high school, and was actively involved in the Santa Barbara Homesteaders. She was an excellent wife and mother, caring for her family, as well as a number of “bonus” kids God placed in her life.

In 1992 she began teaching for Santa Barbara City College Continuing Education. She taught myriad computer and technology subjects, but her favorite subject to teach was genealogy. She also supported the work of the college significantly behind the scenes.

Her contribution was remembered by the president of the college noting that “beyond the classroom, Norma’s contributions to SBCC were equally remarkable … she played an essential role in shaping curriculum and fostering student success.”

In the early 2000s, Norma got bit hard by the genealogy bug. Her crowning achievement was proving two lines of lineage on her mother’s side back to the pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower, thus earning her membership in the Mayflower Society. She remained an active member of the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society for many years.

Norma was also active in church her entire life. She was always engaged in ministry, and her duties included cleaning the facilities, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving as an Awana leader, and serving on the oversight committee.

She was the church hospitality coordinator for many years, coordinating meals, hosting receptions, and supplying table linens and decorations for weddings and other social gatherings.

Norma maintained close bonds with her parents, siblings, children and their families throughout the years. She cherished being a grandmother and enjoyed hosting family gatherings.

She is survived by her husband Paul Eggli; four children Benjamin and Chelsea Eggli, Peter and Michelle Eggli, Ruth Eggli Calzada and Juan Carlos Calzada, and Hannah Eggli; four grandchildren; and four siblings Maurice Kruth, Raymond Kruth, Warren Kruth and Andrea MacMillan. She will be greatly missed.

A service celebrating her life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Community Covenant Church of Goleta. A second service will be held at noon, Friday, Jan. 31, at Santa Barbara City College Wake Campus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospitality Ministry at Community Covenant Church of Goleta.