Norma Lee Strouse

CHARLESTON, IL – Norma Lee Strouse, age 93 of Charleston and formerly of Mattoon, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, Illinois, with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating.  Memorial gifts in her honor may be made to Choices Pregnancy & Health and may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920. 

Norma Lee was born August 3, 1926 in Mattoon, Illinois, daughter of the late Horace Vance and Blanche Angeline (Virkler) Ralston.  She married Lynn Clifford Strouse on September 8, 1946 and they celebrated 41 years of marriage prior to his death on February 14, 1988.  Left to cherish their many memories are her daughter, Sandy Johnson of Charleston; two grandchildren, Branden Shirley and Jennifer (Curtis Edwards) Williams of Charleston; five great-grandchildren, Austen Carver, Braydon Shirley, Barrett Williams, Dawson Williams and Cole Edwards; and a sister, Carol Davis and husband Frank of Terre Haute, Indiana.  Also surviving are Kelly Purvis, Eric Johnson and Shane Werden and families, children of her son-in-law, Jerry Johnson who preceded her in death.  She was also preceded by a son, Lynn Clifford Strouse, Jr.; five sisters, Dorothy Demeritt, Mary Roberts, Sarah Benham, Nancy Rendelman, and Jane Newlin; as well as three brothers, James Ralston, Horace Ralston, Jr., and Charles Ralston. 

Norma Lee graduated from Mattoon High School and was later employed there in the cafeteria as a cook.  She later joined the ranks of General Electric where she was employed until her retirement.  She has been a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Mattoon. 

It might be the stitches in a quilt, her beautifully manicured yard or the special family favorite she was cooking – but you could count on each to be done to perfection.  Norma liked to fill her time working puzzle books, watching cooking shows, and/or a Chicago Cubs baseball and Illini basketball game.  Norma was blessed to be able to spend time with a family she truly loved and to claim the rewards of a family that returned that same love and affection.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
The Graveside Service honoring and celebrating the life of Norma Strouse was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, Illinois with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating.  Musical selections included a recording of Amazing Grace by George Jones and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" recorded by Norma's grandson and pianist, Barrett Williams.

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