Ruby Kay Norris

1946 - 2023

Ruby Kay (Jewell) Norris, age 81, recently died unexpectedly in Punta Gorda, Florida following a brief illness.

Ruby was born to Mary Elizabeth and John Luke Jewell in Tazewell County, Virginia. In 1946, the Jewell family moved to Wabash, Indiana, where Ruby grew up and graduated from Wabash High School. Ruby devoted her life to her three sons while also having a career at the Wabash Plain Dealer and Nixon Newspapers. Career growth led her to administrative positions at Manchester College and Indiana University, Kokomo. She loved card games, taught herself how to play bridge, and quickly mastered the game. She met so many dear friends playing bridge. She made many happy memories for family and friends, especially nieces and nephews, making a game of cards the highlight of many family events. Her skills were still "sharp as a tack" to the very end.

Ruby is survived by her husband, Philip W. Norris, Punta Gorda FL; her sons, John C. Hendrix, Marion IN; Brian Jay (Beth) Hendrix, Twin Lakes WI; and Jerry W. (Dana) Hendrix, Indianapolis IN; step-daughter Christine Norris, Denver CO; Ruby's four grandchildren Kyle (Monique) Hendrix, Wonder Lake IL; Sara (Martin Malasky) Hendrix, Los Angeles CA; Jerry Hendrix Jr., Claypool IN; Shanna (Carlos) Smith, South Bend IN; and two great grandchildren, Alazay and Carmelo Smith, South Bend IN. Ruby is survived as well by her siblings, Patricia (James) Fulwider, Leesburg IN; Rita Richardson, Phoenix AZ; Marsha Jane Weinberg, Germantown MD; Steve Henderson, Wabash IN and David (Debbie) Henderson, Silver Springs MD. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

While details are pending at this time, there will be a Celebration of Life planned soon. Condolences for the family may be sent to: In Care of Patricia Fulwider, PO Box 340, Leesburg IN. 46538-0340.