Norma Jean Kirtley, 86, of Gaston, died Sunday morning, October 19th, 2014 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. She was born August 1st, 1928 in Summitville, IN and was the daughter of the late Joe & Effie Mauck.
Norma Jean was a bus driver for Wes-Del School Corporation for 30 years. She and her husband Charles owned and operated Kirtley Feed & Grain in Gaston. Norma Jean graduated from Gaston High School in 1946. She was a charter member of the Well Wishers Home Economics Club. Norma Jean was a longtime member of Gaston United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and was well known for her homemade biscuits at church dinners. She loved her family and especially her grandchildren.
Norma Jean is survived by her loving husband, Charles Kirtley of Gaston, whom she married March 9th , 1947; two son''s Jerry Kirtley (Dianna) of Gaston, and Terry Kirtley (Sandy) of Hartford City; two daughters, Cinda McKibben (Greg) of Gaston, and Julie Swartz of Muncie; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Kirtley Vermillion of Alexandria; a brother James "Jim" Mauck of Gaston; a sister Lois McClurg (Edgar) of Muncie; thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, four step grandchildren, and four step-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son James "Jim" Kirtley in 2012; a son-in-law Mike Swartz in 2013; a sister Barbara Martini; and her in-laws George Kirtley and Irene Kirtley Long.
Funeral Services for Norma Jean will be held Thursday, October 23rd, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gaston United Methodist Church, 105 North Main Street, Gaston, In 47342, with Pastor John Long officiating. Burial will follow in Thompson Cemetery in Gaston. Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014 at the Gaston United Methodist Church, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gaston United Methodist Church with envelopes provided at the church.