Alma Marie Perry, age 79, of Newbern joyfully arrived in Heaven on Wednesday, February 17.



Alma was a lifelong resident of Bartholomew County and graduated from Columbus High School in 1948. Alma and her husband Gerald founded Perry Printers, a commercial printing company, in 1952 and operated the business until present. They were involved in several Christian ministries.



Alma attended Garden City Church of Christ and was a member of the Red Hatters Society, the Christian Women's Club, and the Historical Society. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, going to concerts, collecting antiques, working on jigsaw puzzles, and, most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Although Alma needed the aid of a walker in recent years, she maintained an independent, active lifestyle and visited several nursing homes daily.



Alma Perry was born in Bartholomew County on April 9, 1930, the daughter of Lowell and Helen Van Est. She married Gerald Perry on November 28, 1948. He preceded her in death on October 28, 1994.



The funeral will be conducted on Saturday, February 27, at 10 a.m., at Garden City Church of Christ. Calling will be Friday, February 26, 4 -8 p.m., at Norman Funeral Home in Hope and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery .



Memorial contributions may be made to Lamb and Lion Ministries, P.O. Box 919 , McKinney , TX 75070 , online at www.lamblion.com, or the charity of choice.



Survivors include her children: Jerald (Linda) Perry of Indianapolis; Lynna (Bob) Hassenger of Jackson, MI; Dr. Van (Susan) Perry of San Antonio, TX; and Roger Perry of Columbus ; grandsons Nathan, Timothy, Kurt, Jonathan, Mark, Michael, Brandon, Cole, and Logan Perry, Bradley and Eric Stahley; eight great-grandchildren and her special friend Richard.



She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gerald, sister Thelma Miller, and great-grandson Caleb.



Alma is now eternally enjoying life with Jesus.