Norma Eash

1928 - 2026

Norma Eash

January 16, 1928 - January 6, 2026

NORMAL - Norma Eash, 97, of Normal, IL, formerly of Chenoa, IL, passed away at 1:58 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10th, at Christ Community Church, Chenoa, with visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. prior to the service, also at the church. A private family burial will follow at Chenoa Cemetery. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Village at Mercy Creek, Normal; Christ Community Church, Chenoa; or Music Connections Foundation, Bloomington.

Norma was born on Jan. 16, 1928, in Chenoa, at the family's rural home, the second daughter of Merle Russell and Hazel Marguerite Finley Hewitt. She and her three siblings grew up helping their father on the family farm. Norma graduated from Chenoa High School in 1945 and from Illinois State Normal University in 1949 with a degree in Music Education. She married Merlin Ray Eash of Chenoa on Oct. 1, 1948; he preceded her in death on Jan. 16, 2018. Norma and Merlin farmed together on the Eash family farm.

Norma began her teaching career as a music teacher by traveling to five area country schools. She taught vocal music at Chenoa Grade School, continuing on with vocal and instrumental at Chenoa High School. During her 25-year career in music education, she directed many outstanding musical productions, beginning with her first musical, Carousel. Beginning in 1957, Norma gave private lessons to hundreds of young people with students performing at annual piano recitals, music contests, and programs for local clubs and organizations.

Norma's love for music was evident through her deep involvement in the Chenoa community. She was the organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Chenoa for over 70 years and also played for the Chenoa United Methodist Church. Norma directed or accompanied many exceptional choral and instrumental groups, contributing to Memorial Day services, CHS Alumni Banquets, and 4th of July celebrations. Beyond Chenoa, Norma was a member of the Pontiac Municipal Band, performed in multiple Vermillion Players productions, and played with a community ensemble known as "Bill's Band" at churches, holiday events, and Peace Meals.

Norma was active in many social organizations including Chenoa Woman's Club, Chenoa Arts & Travel, Livingston and McLean Counties Retired Teachers Associations, and the Pontiac Chapter #310 Order of the Eastern Star (Worthy Matron, 1994). In 1996, she was honored for her dedication and service to the community when she was voted Chenoan of the Year.

Norma's faith was central to her life; she was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church and directed Sunday school choirs.

Throughout the years, Norma and Merlin were faithful supporters of Chenoa sporting events, cheering on their children and the Redbirds. They also became devoted fans of the Illinois Wesleyan University Titans, following their son during his college football years and later as head football coach for the Titans. Above all, Norma cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she took immense pride in each of them, celebrating their accomplishments and treasuring every moment spent together.

Surviving are her children, Merline (Rick) Erdman of Sterling, IL, Norman (Cheryl) Eash of Bloomington, IL, and Dr. Christine (Patrick) McConnell of Asheville, NC; ten grandchildren: Amanda Erdman (Nicole Muehlenhaus), Corinne (Jarod) Nye, David (Heather) Erdman, Dr. Kyle Eash, Kendra Eash (Kelly Miller), Kelsey (Jeff) Andrews, Kaylyn (Bryant) Cawley, Karley Eash, Logan (Mary) McConnell, and Caite (Kush) Berry; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marilyn Hewitt and brother-in-law, Wayne Dameron; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Wiladene Jacobs and Janet Dameron; brother, Lynden Hewitt; in-laws, Walter and Ella Eash; brothers-in-law, Clifford Eash and Dick Jacobs; sister-in-law, Helen Eash; and nephew, Stan Jacobs.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Village at Mercy Creek, the place Norma called home for nine years, receiving outstanding care, enjoying excellent activities, and forming lasting friendships. Playing the baby grand piano in the front lobby, with many singing along, is our cherished memory.