Norma Jean Hoppus

There is no end, there is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life. Norma Jean Hoppus had such a passion, and lived each day to the fullest. Competitive, feisty, and independent, Norma worked hard all her life to care for those she held so dear, never looking for anything in return.

Located in Orange County, just east of French Lick, Paoli, Indiana is a small community. In 1931, its residents, like most of the country, were doing their best to care for their families during the depression. On May 30, 1931, a new family began with the birth of a little girl named Norma Jean.

Norma grew up in the Ft. Wayne area of Indiana, with her parents and younger siblings. Marvin, an older brother, was raised by his maternal grandmother. After Norma came Janet, Mary, Carol, Carolyn, Herman, Herb, Jim, Eddie and Joe. Norma's father, Richard Gehl worked very hard to support his family. He held many jobs, ranging from laboring in the wood working factories of Northern Indiana to driving bus. After being laid off, Richard went to work for Corwell's in 1949. By the time he retired in 1968 he had achieved the position of plant superintendent. Perhaps, by watching her father, Norma learned the benefits of hard work. Her mother, Estellee (Roach) Gehl was busy as a mother and homemaker.

Norma attended Elmhurst High School in Ft. Wayne, where she dated a young man named Gene (Rollie Eugene) Harty. However, Norma quit school in the 10th grade and moved to Ohio to live with her aunt and uncle. But Ft. Wayne, and perhaps thoughts of Gene, soon called her back. They were married on April 8, 1950 in New Haven, Indiana.

Gene was in the service and Norma found herself setting up housekeeping in many different areas. In 1956, the young couple was living in Pennsylvania, and it was here that Norma and Gene welcomed a boy they named William (Bill) into their life. A few years later, they moved to Huntington Beach, California, and the family grew with the arrival of son Jerry in 1958. Subsequent moves took them to Bedford, Indiana and finally, in early 1961, they settled in Warsaw, Indiana. In late 1961, Norma gave birth to her daughter, Sheri, and Warsaw became the families' permanent home.

In the mid 1960's, Norma and Gene were divorced, leaving Norma on her own to care for her family. However, in the late 1960's she met and eventually married Bob Hoppus and the family continued to grow when son Eddie was born in 1973. Norma not only gained a new husband, but welcomed Bob's children as well. Cindy, Mike and Mark were loved as much as Norma's other children. Sadly, Norma and Bob divorced in the late 1970's.

In spite of the ups and downs of her life, Norma had many hobbies and interests to keep her busy. She loved to look for treasures at garage sales, and the sunnier the day, the better. A real sun worshipper, Norma always sported a golden tan. Drinking a cold bottle of Pepsi kept her cool and when the Pepsi Cola Company stopped using the 16 ounce glass bottles, Norma's favorite, she considered it a personal conspiracy. Now in plastic bottles, Norma swore the pop didn't taste the same.

With a family to support and care for, Norma had worked outside the home most of her life. Her favorite job was at Helvey's Grocery Store on Scott Street in Warsaw. This was during the early and mid 1960's and Norma loved the interaction at this small neighborhood store. She especially liked it when her customers were children. From the early 1980's until her retirement in 1993, Norma worked for Zimmer, USA. She liked her job and was a good, dependable worker. Well-liked by her co-workers, she was especially proud of the fact that she was working in the same place as her daughter, Sheri. Norma was known in the factory, not only for her work ethic but also for her sense of style. Coordination was her theme and each day's outfit would be carefully color-coordinated. She was also the source for sweet treats. If your sweet tooth was calling, Norma always had something for you.

In the mid 1990's Norma was diagnosed with lung cancer. The cancer was in the advanced stages and required some extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. At first the treatments didn't work because Norma's body could not tolerate the needed medical regimen. After many set backs the doctors decided to first complete all the chemotherapy treatments, let her body rest and then start the radiation treatments. After a hard long battle Norma's spirit shone through...the cancer was "defeated".

A few years ago, Norma confirmed a personal secret she had kept hidden in her heart for many years. While going through her divorce from Gene, Norma had become pregnant again. Faced with raising three children on her own, Norma gave her baby up for adoption, thinking it was best for everyone. This secret became joy when Norma was reunited with her baby, a daughter named Janice (and two granddaughters and a great grand-daughter). A mother's love is very strong and Norma and Janice bonded immediately. The rest of the family welcomed Janice as well. Having her daughter now in her life, and seeing the ready acceptance of her family eased the guilt that Norma had felt in the past.

Norma Jean Hoppus left her family with many wonderful memories. Janice remembers her mother telling the story of her first love. Others remember watching her dog paddle in the river behind the house. It was the only way she knew how to swim. She would hold her nose to dunk under the water and then jump straight up into the air. Listening and remembering the stories of Norma's life will ease the pain of her loss. She will be dearly missed.

Norma Jean Hoppus of Warsaw, 74, died peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2006 at Kosciusko Community Hospital. Norma was preceded in death by her father, Richard Gehl; her brother, Marvin Gehl and sister Carol Brooks. Her family includes her children Bill (Pam) Harty, Jerry Harty (Jon Durham), Sheri Courson, Janice Bell, Eddie (Lisa) Hoppus, Cindy (Robin) Bair, Mike (Sheila) Hoppus and Mark Hoppus; her mother, Estellee Gehl; her siblings: Janet (Jack) Owens, Mary (Bob) Vasileff, Carolyn Stover, Herman (Barbara) Gehl, Herbert (Donita) Gehl, Jim Gehl, Eddie (Anita) Gehl and Joe (Donna) Gehl; sister in law, Delores Gehl and brother in law, Stan Brooks; 18 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many close friends.

Learn more about Norma, view her Life Story Film and visit with her family on Friday from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00p.m. at the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, Indiana, where her service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Please visit Norma's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory, or sign the on-line guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Arrangements coordinated by Life Story Funeral Homes-RDMG Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane at Milham.