Norma Jean Burns

Norma Jean Burns, known for her brilliant smile, energetic demeanor, and positive outlook on life and death, passed into eternity at 5:25 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility, after a short illness.

Mrs. Burns, the former Norma Jean Friedersdorf, was born August 5, 1924, in Bartholomew County, to Harold and Ethel Gossett Friedersdorf. She married Raymond “Pete” Burns October 5, 1943. He preceded her in death in 2004.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and her son-in-law, Tom Barnow.

She is survived by daughters, Linda Brown (Steve) and Debby Barnow of Columbus; a brother, Charles Friedersdorf (Carol) of Costa Mesa, California; grandchildren, Kelli Teegen (Greg) of LaGrange, Illinois, Jeremy Clark (Barb Caldwell) of Louisville, Kentucky, Jennifer VanEst of Columbus and Scott Brown (Anne) of Chicago. Her six great-grandchildren are Ella, Molly and Claire Teegen, Elum and Marley VanEst, and Carrick Edward Brown. Numerous nieces and nephews who are precious to her as well also survive.

Norma Jean graduated from Columbus High School in 1942 and was a homemaker most of her life and a volunteer in many areas. She worked as a teller at Irwin Union Bank for 11 years, was an active member of both First Presbyterian Church and Fairlawn Presbyterian Church (50-year member) serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member. She delivered Meals on Wheels since its inception (40+ years) and volunteered at Mill Race Center. Being a 67-year member of her beloved ONO (Our Night Out) Home Extension Club was one of her favorite activities, providing her with friends and education. She also led hymn sings at Four Seasons for many years.

Norma Jean was given the honor of Bartholomew County Senior Citizen of the Year in 2005 at the age of 81. She also enjoyed traveling with family, working in her yard, golfing, sewing, and walking in her neighborhood.

Memorial donations may be given to Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, The Parkinson's Foundation, Best Friends Animal Refuge or Hospice of Southern Indiana.

Online condolences may be sent to Norma Jean’s family at www.myers-reed.com.

The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, 2611 Fairlawn Drive, with the Rev. Anne Marshall officiating. A reception will follow the funeral service with private interment at a later time at Garland Brook Cemetery. Calling will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th Street and one hour prior to the service on Monday at church.