Norma Jean Ortman

A funeral service celebrating the life of Norma Jean Ortman, age 89, of Thornville, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 28, at Trinity United Church of Christ, 20 South West Street in Thornville with Rev. Dr. Winfield Strout officiating. Burial will take place in Lutheran Reformed Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, at the Thornville Chapel of Hoskinson Funeral Home, 56 South Main Street in Thornville, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Norma was born January 18, 1930 in Thornville, Ohio to the late Francis Stanley and Helen Viola (Neel) Lynn. Upon her mother’s death she was raised by her aunt, Freda Neel Johnston. Norma passed away on Monday, January 21, 2019 at her home.

Norma married William E. “Bill” Ortman on February 2, 1948 and together they raised four children on their family farm where she devotedly worked alongside her husband. She lovingly served her family, God, community and friends. She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ where she was a Sunday School teacher and active in the Women’s Guild. She was also active in the Perry County and Thornville Seniors groups, where she served as an officer on the board for several years, Thornville Home Extension, Perry and Fairfield County Genealogy, Veterans Memorial of Thornville and Farm Bureau. For a good many years she also enjoyed aerobics class at Grace Lutheran Church. Norma also appreciated her Meals on Wheels delivery folks and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped who helped her continue her love of reading. Norma’s joy was in these activities and her example has touch her family and friends and many others. In her latter years, she stepped aside in some of these positions, allowing family and friends to serve and love and follow her. She shared her tips for making the greatest Holiday meals. Thankfully, we had the privilege of loving and caring for her.

She leaves behind a son, Gary (Kathy) Ortman; daughters, Connie (Gary) Hursey and Karen (Dale) Factor; daughter-in-law, Charlene Ortman; grandchildren, William Matthew (Jennifer) Ortman, Brian (Lisa) Ortman, Ty (Denita) Hursey, Ross (Kelsey) Hursey, Logan (Aaron) Bates, Kacey (Jordan) Unternaher and Deven Factor; great-grandchildren, Zachary Ortman, Zane Ortman, Easton Hursey, Jolene Hursey, Rhett Hursey, Hayden Bates, Reagan Unternaher and one on the way; sister, Joan Smock; nieces and nephews; and many friends, including her special friend and helper, Vicki Factor.

In addition to her parents and aunt, she was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Ortman, on November 30, 2002; a son, Donald E. Ortman; and three sisters and their spouses, Phyllis (Robert) King, Maxine (Cecil) Fisher and Betty Lynn; and brother-in-law, Charles Smock.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ Memorial Fund.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to care for Norma and her family.