Margaret Louise Norris

Margaret Louise Norris, known as Louise, age 89, died on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at IU Health Bloomington Hospital, Bloomington, IN. Born on Sept. 3, 1922 in Worthington, IN, Louise was the daughter of Roy and Mary Margaret Ballinger. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth E. Norris, a former Superintendent of the Hobart, Indiana School System, who died at the age of 55 in 1977 in Bloomfield, Indiana, where the couple had just begun their life in retirement. Louise was an outstanding student in the Worthington Public Schools and often chuckled about her Outstanding 8th Grade Girl award speech. When her parents re-located to the Gary, Indiana area, Louise transferred to Gary Edison High School, where she graduated with honors. This was followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Central Normal College in Danville, Indiana. While in college she met her husband to be, who was also pursuing a degree in education. Louise taught English, Drama and Latin in several schools throughout northern Indiana, as her husband took on successful coaching, teaching and administrative responsibilities. Louise ended her teaching career at Merrillville and East Gary High Schools. Not remarrying, Louise remained settled in her Bloomfield bungalow and became active in multiple local clubs and the First Methodist Church. She enjoyed companionship with others in the Argonauts, Delta Kappa Gamma sorority Tri Kappa, and the Greene County Retired Teachers Association. With diminished health, Louise relocated to Bloomington, IN, near her daughter’s family and, in the last year of life resided at Bell Trace Health and Living Center, enjoying the opportunity to be around her granddaughter Abby, director of activities for the facility. Louise was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert (Bob). She is survived by her daughter, Linda Stafford, of Bloomington, (husband Philip) her son, Roger, of Dillon., Montana, (wife Delena Norris-Tull) both of whom have followed their parents as master educators. Also, grandchildren Tanner Kilander of Wauwatosa, WI (great grandchildren Jane, Megan, and Cooper; Libby Stafford Gray of Bloomington, IN (great grandchildren Jayden and Mya ; Josie Norris of Portland, OR, and Abby Stafford, of Bloomington. A family graveside service will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Worthington Cemetery. Louise had requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Margaret Louise Norris

September 3, 1922 - March 11, 2012