Norma Jean Walburn

Norma Jean Walburn, 93, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, November 1 ^st , 2017.  Born July 16, 1924 in Paulding, Ohio, Jean was the daughter of Edwin and Blanche Diesler.  In October of 1944, she married her handsome Marine Eddie, and shortly after they moved to the Noble County farm where they contentedly resided for over 60 years.  Jean and Ed were the parents of two sons, David and Thomas, whom they cherished.  The Walburns were an old-fashioned salt-of-the earth family.   Their lives were rich and busy with visits from family and friends, church and school activities, auctions and Lions' Club events.  Jean loved flowers, and her porch and back yard garden were an overflowing testament to her green thumb skills.  She doted upon her grandchildren and fixed them beef and noodles and homemade mashed potatoes, the perfect antidote for starving kids who'd played in the barn all day.  Life dealt considerable pain to Jean, first through the loss of her oldest son David in 1984, then her beloved Eddie in 2004, and finally her youngest son Thomas in 2011.  Through all her grief, Jean remained firm in her Christian faith and in the knowledge that she would see them all again. Three weeks ago, on the occasion of her grandson's wedding, Jean had her first limo ride.  She looked beautiful that evening in her fuchsia blouse and pearls, and her dark eyes, the ones Eddie fell in love with after the war, shone with affection.  That's our Jean, blessed be her memory.   Jean is survived by grandchildren Peter Myers, Molly Faber and Joseph Walburn; great grandchildren Madeline Faber, Elise Faber, Amelia Faber and Maxwell Walburn.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews including dear nieces Sandra Hartman and Norma Ramsey, adored cousin Mary Lou Young, her faithful church family, and finally her close friend and indispensable hairdresser Fran Lortie who did her hair weekly for 37 years. A service celebrating Norma’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Rachael Bales-Case will officiate. Burial will follow at Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 PM on Monday, November 6, 2017 at Yeager Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the historic Indian Village United Methodist Church where Jean was an active member for over 60 years.