Norma J. Bolinger

In 1932, most Americans were struggling as they entered the third year of the Great Depression. The Ford Motor Corp. produced the Model Y automobile, the first parking meter was developed, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) aired their first public television program. Families at the time, gathered around their radios to listen to the popular first airings of Little Orphan Annie and Buck Rogers of the 25th Century. On May 25, 1932, Albert and Margaret M. (Stewart) Birch welcomed the birth of their daughter, Norma Jean Birch in Noble County, Indiana.

Norma was raised on the family farm alongside her sister, Roberta. Norma took on a lot of the farm chore responsibilities and always thought she was her dad's "boy" as they raised mint and onions. The work on the farm would shape her character to be strong willed and a hard worker. She attended Wolf Lake High School where she had played ball and was in a school play. She would graduate with the Class of 1950.

By 1954, Norma had been married and started a family, welcoming four children into her life, Cindy, Gary, Rhonda and Tammy. On June 8, 1985, she married Jerry L. Bolinger. She retired from Fiber Form with 36 years of service. Norma was a member of Collamar First Church of God, WHO-Church group, TOPS-weight loss group and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. She and Jerry enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and even took a train trip towards the West Coast. She also was dedicated to watching Days of Our Lives.

Sadly, Norma J. Bolinger, 87, of Albion, Indiana, passed away at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at her daughter's home. She is survived by her son, Gary (Debbie) Hursey, of Columbia City; daughter, Tammy (Rob) Ramey, of Columbia City; 8 grandchildren; 19 great- grandchildren; and several great- great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry Bolinger on September 13, 2009; daughters, Cindy Slusher and Rhonda Hursey; and sister, Roberta Pritchard.

A gathering of family and friends will be 1-4 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2020 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Thorn Cemetery where Norma will be laid to rest beside her husband. Memorial gifts may be given in her memory to Collamar First Church of God or to the donor's choice of charity. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send her family condolences online.