Hope
Norma L. Clouse, 94, of Hope, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
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 were inducted into the organization’s 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 and Bartholomew County Historical Society. She also was a 50-year member of Order of Eastern Star.
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 at 11 a.m. Friday at Hope Moravian Church with Pastor Andy Kilps officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hawcreek Flat Rock Area Endowment Fund.
Born August 5, 1921, Norma was the daughter of Walter J. and Lavern Gilmour Gilliland. She married Merrill J. Clouse January 17, 1942, at Hope Moravian Church by the Rev. Ernest Drebert, and he survives.
Other survivors include her children, Loraine “Lori” Wells of San Diego, California, Kathleen “Kathie” Clouse and David (Tammy) Clouse, both of Hope; grandchildren, Chad Clouse of Bloomington and Dustin Clouse of Columbus; a brother, Dr. John (Nancy) Gilliland of Franklin, Indiana; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Gernentz and Lucy Gilliland, both of Hope; and several nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Harold Gilliland; a grandson, Scott Johnson; a brother-in-law, Lee Gernentz; and a nephew, Kevin Gernentz.
Arrangements were made by Norman Funeral Home at Hope.
Online condolences may be sent to the Clouse family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.
