Born in Logansport, Norma then moved to Winona Lake, where she met and married Frederick H. Smith. Surviving are their three daughters: Sandi (Tony) Crocker, Suzette (Brad) Burleson, Sherry (Jeff) Beckwith; eight grandchildren: Shenna and Kayli Crocker, Brandi (John) Gilkey, Brina (Cory) Boggs, Braven (Merrick) Burleson, Brenay Burleson, Kaylin (Spencer) Hill, Connor Beckwith; nine great-grandchildren: Alyssa and Ariana Cervantez, Garrett Burleson, Nolan Gay, Haddon Boggs, Andie Burleson, Riley, Zion and Alé Hill.
Norma was born to Richard and Estelle Cook Arnold, who precede Norma in death along with her husband, Fred; her sister, Dorothy (John) Bumbaugh; and her granddaughter, April Marie Beckwith.
Norma was known for her generosity and artistic abilities, especially her ceramics. She freely gave and was always sure to include everyone! She loved to host holiday gatherings and would always make extra gifts to ensure everyone had a gift for Christmas. In her home, everyone was welcome at any time. “The more, the merrier,” she would say, while always checking to be sure everyone had a place to go and a gift to take home.
Norma was very active in the ladies circle at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkhart. She loved to read poems and could recite many of them. One of her favorites was “The Raggedy Man” by James Whitcomb Riley. She started her working career in the offices at Studebakers in South Bend, Indiana, and received the last car off the assembly line. She then went to work at C.G. Conn musical instruments who later merged with Selmer. She was secretary to the vice president, wrote the company’s EOEC Equal Opportunity Employment contracts and was involved with union negotiations.
She was a musician at heart, doing live performances and radio with her sister Dorothy along with Glenn Goshorn and Fran Roberts. She played the Hawaiian guitar and double bass, sang back-up and danced during performances. At home, she loved to sing the Gospels — “Just as I am,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Oh Holy Night,” were a few of her favorites. In her youth, she was a color guard, combining her love for music and colors together. A true lady, her nickname was “Duchess.”
Norma’s favorite times were sharing in the joy and gift of being with family, from the youngest to the oldest, and spending time with friends. She enjoyed the craft shows where she found many a sleigh and other holiday decorations. She made and collected angels, and at Christmas time, her angel tree was a must! Over the years, she took care of many wounded animals, especially birds in her garden. She raised several parakeets, one could say over 100 words. Later in life, she helped many cats, always making sure they were fed and nurtured with a dry and warm place to stay.
Her smile would light up a room! When asked what is your favorite song, she would say “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
A private celebration will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw Oct. 15.
Family and close friends will appreciate any contributions made in our loved one’s name. Two organizations that we thought she would like to support include Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 30888 County Road 6, Elkhart, IN 46514, trinity.org; or Elkhart County Feral Cat Coalition, ECFCC, Inc. 574-333-6066, elkhartferalcats.org.
