COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Norma J. Adams, 92, died at IU Methodist Hospital Hospice on January 11, 2023, due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
Norma was born on April 18, 1930, in Inkster, Michigan, the daughter of Newell and Elona Colpitts Sims. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and later in Bloomington, Indiana. Norma attended Indiana University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1952. Though she worked briefly as a teacher, she fell in love with the new medium of television and began work in TV at Channel 4 in Bloomington in 1954. Norma soon advanced to a position at WFBM Channel 6 in Indianapolis, in the advertising and promotions department. A move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1958 sparked a lifelong love of the Southwest and Native American cultures. Norma was an avid reader and spent many happy hours perusing books at the Bartholomew County Public Library. She also loved walking and hiking in the woods, in the Indiana state parks and many national parks, often commenting that the woods were her cathedral. Norma and her daughter Beth hiked all over the United States together, including day-hiking long stretches of the Appalachian Trail. Norma survived breast cancer and was involved in local efforts to raise money for research. She also was instrumental in local Elderhostel events for many years and was a long-time volunteer for Volunteers in Medicine and Muscatatuck Wildlife Refuge.
Norma is survived by her daughter, Beth (Neal) Koeller of Seymour; beloved cousins, Kathie (Greg) Hannum of Columbus, Matt (Heather) Hannum of Columbus, Laura Hannum of Avon, Aaron (Dianna) Smith of Indianapolis, and Ryan (Jennifer) Smith of Lafayette; treasured family friends, Bill and Linda Riley of Edinburgh and their children, Shannon Clark of Indianapolis and Zach (Karmen) Riley of Columbus. Norma will also be missed by many friends in the Columbus area, having lived and worked here since 1961.
In honor of Norma’s request, there will be no service following cremation rites. Those wishing to send a remembrance are asked to make a donation to the Muscatatuck Wildlife Society, 12987 E. US Hwy 50, Seymour or through their website at muscatatuck.org.
