Norma L. Clouse, 94, of Hope died on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
She co-owned Clouse's Food Center, Inc. in Hope with her husband, Merrill beginning in 1961, and later on with their son, David. She was the corporation's secretary/treasurer. Her husband has long credited Norma's care and attention to detail for their financial success. Norma and her husband were co-winners of awards from Indiana Meat Packers and Processors Association and inducted into the organizations Hall of Fame.
Norma was a member of Hope Moravian Church. She was active in the church throughout the years through the Ladies Society and Kola Sunday School class. She was also a member of Hope Lions Club, Hope American Legion Auxiliary, Kill Kare Klub, Kappa Kappa Sigma Sorority, Bartholomew County Historical Society, and a 50 year Order of Eastern Star member.
Over the years, Norma and Merrill were instrumental in establishing the Yellow Trail Museum giving free rent in its early years. In 1987, they shared a Sagamore of the Wabash awarded by Gov. Robert Orr. In 2004, they were recognized as Bronze members of the Heritage Fund - The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County and Hawcreek Flat Rock Area Endowment.
Norma enjoyed collecting recipes, cooking/baking, reading, and ballroom dancing with her husband.
The funeral will be on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Moravian Church with Pastor Andy Kilps officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be donated to Hawcreek Flat Rock Area Endowment Fund.
Born on August 5, 1921, Norma was the daughter of Walter J. and Lavern Gilmour Gilliland. She married Merrill J. Clouse on January 17, 1942 at the Hope Moravian Church by the Rev. Ernest Drebert, and he survives.
Other survivors include her children, Loraine "Lori" Wells of San Diego, CA, Kathleen "Kathie" Clouse, and David (Tammy) Clouse, both of Hope; grandchildren, Chad Clouse of Bloomington, and Dustin Clouse of Columbus; brother, Dr. John (Nancy) Gilliland of Franklin, IN; sister-in-laws, Carolyn Gernentz and Lucy Gilliland, both of Hope; and several nieces and nephews.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harold Gilliland; grandson, Scott Johnson; brother-in-law, Lee Gernentz; and nephew, Kevin Gernentz.