Arlene Norman

Arlene Norman, born on February 8, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, with family by her side.

A proud native of Pittsburgh, Arlene carried the values of her upbringing throughout her life—faith, service, and a deep appreciation for nature and community. She had many heartwarming stories about growing up in the "sticks" on the hills of Ingomar. She loved "running wild" with her siblings and always described her childhood as very wholesome. She adored her older brother and two sisters, and talked about them often, recalling sled riding, singing with neighbors while they played piano, listening to radio programs and going to Woolworth's in downtown Pittsburgh. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University, where she also met her husband of twenty-four years, Ken Norman. Their time together laid the foundation for a family that would grow to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who carry forward her legacy.

Arlene is lovingly remembered by her sister Carol (Jerry) Israel; sister-in-law Doris Schiller; her son Rick Norman; daughters Kathy (Mark) Fulton and Amy (Jeff) Bonner; and grandchildren Kelsi Fulton, Kenny Norman, Grant (Rachel) Fulton, Mitch (Joy) Fulton, Maddie Bonner, and Jacey Bonner. Her joy extended to two great-grandchildren as well as several cousins and many nieces and nephews who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

A lifelong Methodist, Arlene’s spiritual journey began at Ingomar Methodist Church in her youth and continued through Broadway United Methodist Church, Union Chapel United Methodist Church, Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church, and finally North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Her faith was not only a personal compass but also a call to action—she taught Sunday School, served meals through Bread and Bowl outreach programs, and found fellowship at the Shepherd Center. Among all these cherished places of worship and service, Jumonville Camp in Pennsylvania held a special place in her heart. It was there that she found renewal in nature and community, and reminisced about for many years.

Arlene had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether hiking wooded trails or pausing to admire a rainstorm or snowfall, she found beauty in every season. She had a fondness for all wildlife, especially cardinals, as well as flowers of all kinds. She really did enjoy life's simple pleasures. Her love for children was evident not only within her own family but also through years of volunteer work with Oasis as a reading tutor. She gave generously of her time and her spirit.

Arlene enjoyed art and had some talent with painting and drawing. The majority of her career was spent in Interior Decorating with JCPenney.

Those who knew Arlene remember her as a fun-loving soul with a can-do attitude. Always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh, she brought light into every room she entered. Her kindness left an enduring impression on friends, old and new alike.

Arlene cherished seeing friends. She loved her friendships with former neighbors, fellow church members, and coworkers. Later in life, she was so grateful to have found a wonderful group of friends she called her "Y" group. These ladies were dear to her heart, along with her group of friends she called "Jane's Group". She looked forward to seeing all of these friends as often as she could.

Arlene Norman will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing and inspiration to those who carry forward the values she lived so fully. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following charities: Tunnel To Towers, Firefly Children and Family Alliance, or Jumonville Camp. Links to these charities are listed below.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025, with visitation from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at Indiana Funeral Care 8151 North Allisonville Road.