Norma Jean Crowe

Norma Jean Crowe, 87, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 10:15 a.m. January 26, 2026, at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Assisted Living, Columbia City.

Born on December 20, 1938, in Whitesville, Kentucky, she was a daughter of the late William Virgil Hardesty and Dessa Helen (Wimsatt) Hardesty. Growing up in Whitesville, Norma graduated from St Mary High School in 1957.

On September 6, 1958, she married George Barr Crowe, embarking on a 65-year journey together, raising five children. They made their first home in Browns Valley, Kentucky, moving to Columbia City in 1964. George died on October 22, 2023

A dedicated full-time homemaker and mother, Norma Jean began her outside career as a home economic resource aide at Columbia City Joint High School from 1974 to 1982 and then Norma Jean began her sales of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Excelling with the company, she quickly became a director, mentoring others who joined the company. Her exceptional performance earned her four of the prestigious pink Mary Kay cars over her 40 years with the company. Along with her husband, the couple was closely involved with the Junior Miss Pageant, providing not only beauty tips and techniques but teaching poise, style, and grace to the young contestants. A member of St. Paul of the Cross, she was involved in Catholic youth mission trips, cooking meals, and providing support for all participants. Her humble service to her community and church earned her the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash, presented on October 1 1978, by then-Governor Ottis Bowen.

In her senior years, she continued to participate in the Wednesday Whopper group, moving the gathering to private homes. She regularly had tea parties with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She enjoyed Caribbean Ocean cruises with her sisters and daughters, making it an all-girls outing. Every other Friday was Farkle game Friday, and Sundays after Mass were spent sharing breakfast with family and friends. Her life reflected a balance of professional achievement, community service, and family devotion, leaving a lasting legacy.

She is survived by her children, Patricia (Michael) Rethlake, Anthony (Bonnie) Crowe, Deborah "Dee Dee" (Thomas) Sordelet, and J. Lorraine (Jeff Brunner) McFarland, all of Columbia City; ten grandchildren, 17, great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and sisters, Rita Wink of Owensboro, KY, Rose Knott of Columbia City and Lillian Drelman of Vincennes.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son, Jason M. Crowe, and by siblings J. Edward, T. Edgar, and William Hardesty, Frances Evelyn Hagan, Theresa Wedding, Sister Anna Jean Hardesty and Virgilia Crowe.

A Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Saturday at St Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S Line St., Columbia City, with visitation one hour prior. Burial is at the Catholic Cemetery, Columbia City. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a Rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials in Norma Jean's honor are to St Vincent De Paul Society.