Norma Jean Merrell, 89, of Shelbyville, IL, died at 3:10 a.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in Shelbyville Manor.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2016 in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL with Rev. Dan Seibert officiating. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church/Roof Fund or ALS in honor of her late husband, Jack Merrell.

Norma was born on May 9, 1927 in Mattoon, IL, the daughter of William Wallace and Genevieve Jones Orndorff. She graduated from Mattoon High School and then attended design school in Chicago. Norma managed a manpower office in Springfield before becoming a salesperson for Sta-Rite Ginnie Lou in Shelbyville, IL. She married John E. “Jack” Merrell on September 15, 1969. Jack and Norma operated The Swings Campground on Lake Shelbyville for several years. Jack preceded her in death on April 10, 1999. Norma was a member of the Mulberry United Methodist Church in Mulberry, FL. She enjoyed playing games, crafting, painting, traveling and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Leach of Shelbyville, IL; sons, John J. Smith (Beth) of Las Vegas, NV, John C. Merrell of Bethany, IL, Scott Merrell (Nancy) of Hoffman, IL and Kim Merrell of Houston, TX; sister, Judith Rodden of Findlay, IL; grandchildren, Anne Smith, William F. Leach (Courtney), Genevieve C. Shelton (Josh), Brian Merrell (Christina), Eric Merrell (Cecilia), Wendy Merrell, Rob Jackson and Jason Herzing (Anita); and 15 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; and son-in-law, Jay Leach.

Thank you to Dr. Oligschlaeger and the staff of Shelbyville Manor for their wonderful care.

Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com