Norma Lou Irwin
Norma Lou Irwin, 92, of Hartsville, passed away at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at her residence. She was born on June 13, 1929 in Ripley County, the daughter of Willard M. and Verda M. (Surber) Adam. The first few years of her life she lived in Ripley County, which is now the Jefferson Proving Grounds. Their land was sold in 1941 and they moved to Jennings County near Bear Creek Baptist Church and had lived in that area ever since.
She enjoyed the companionship of her dog, Sugar. She adopted many other people, dogs and cats into her heart. She just loves people and animals and gives much of herself to help when needed. She graduated in 1947 from Columbus High School. She had worked for Revees Pully Company in accounting for 16 years and then moved to Gallatin, Tennessee and worked for Eatan, Yale & Toune Lock Company for 5 years, Arvin Meritor in accounting for 27 years and had also worked in the health care field at Southern Indiana Orthopedic in Columbus. She was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church where she has served as a Deacon since 1995 and had also served as church clerk. She had taught Sunday school ever since she was in high school including the Senior Adult Class. She was a member of the American Society of Women Accountants and had been a member of the JPG Heritage Partnership since 1995. She married Robert J. Irwin on October 6, 1957 at the Bear Creek Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on May 8, 2013.
Survivors include her sisters, Mary June Hern of Tallahassee, Florida and Wanda L. Greathouse of Franklin, Indiana; adopted into her heart, Lee (Aurie) White of Rockton, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Jane Ellen (John) Naf of Sarasota, Florida and Deborah (David) Sharp of Petersville, Indiana, Rhonda Lee (John) Martin of Greenwood, Indiana, John Robert & Sara Naf of Tallahassee, Florida, Dick (Carolyn) O’Neal of Columbus, Indiana, Dennis O’Neal of Columbus, Indiana, Peggy Peratt of West Chester, Ohio, Sandra Bower of Scipio, Indiana, Mike (Jane) Irwin of Scipio, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother-in-law, Bob Hern; newphews, Max Irwin, Jr. and Keith Irwin; great nephew, J.R. Naf; great niece, Sarah Beihld; great-great nephews, Bobby, Teddy and Graham.
Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Bear Creek Baptist Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the JPG Heritage Partnership, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Bartholomew County Humane Society, Bear Creek Baptist Church or the Bear Creek Cemetery. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.
