Norma (Hawkins) Hollen

Dillman-Scott Funeral Home

Norma D. Hawkins Hollen, 87, most recently of Paoli, IN, passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday morning, March 31, 2020, at Northwood Good Samaritan Retirement Community in Jasper. Born in Orange County, IN, on December 23, 1932, Norma was the fifth child of Earl and Sarah (Riley) Hawkins. She married her one true love, Charles Wayne Hollen, on November 12, 1952, and they welcomed their cherished daughter, Deborah Lynn, two winters after. Norma lost Wayne to a car accident that claimed his life on August 27, 1986.

Both before and after graduating from Paoli High School in 1951, Norma enjoyed waitressing at Spring Mill Inn in Mitchell. Her family often would joke that she never lost her passion for waitressing, as no one ever left her house hungry. Norma also was employed with Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. in Bloomington, tuned radios at Travelers in Orleans, and was lightning-fast at wrapping chairs for shipping at Paoli Chair Company. Her most prized role, though, was as farmer’s wife and helpmate to Wayne. She was honored to serve out his term as Greenfield Township Trustee upon his passing. Norma lived her faith, and was a member of Youngs Creek Church of Christ for most of her adult life.

Norma was a beloved mother, “Mamaw,” sister, “Auntie,” neighbor, and friend. She was happiest when caring for others, and she did so voraciously.  One of Norma’s greatest delights was ensuring that those around her had enough. An avid gardener, she hated the taste of tomatoes but grew bushels of them to give to others. Even as her long battle with dementia slowly robbed her from us, she still was known to quip, “Do you have everything you need?” and “Now, honey, you go on home and don’t worry about me.” Norma loved completely, and we lucky recipients of that love miss her fiercely. We rejoice that she is whole, at peace, and reunited with loved ones in Glory. What a strong and gentle legacy she leaves us all.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters Dorothy (Wally) Williams, Mary (James) Wolfe, and Reba (Ed) Farlow, and brothers Harold (Willie) Hawkins, Charles “Junior” Lee (Katie) Hawkins, and Fred Hawkins, as well as infant brother Ronald Eugene Hawkins.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Wilson, and son-in-law Phil of Alfordsville; two granddaughters: Carmen (Howard) Rutherford of Orleans and Maria Icenogle (Jason Jacobs) of Prescott, Arizona; two great-grandchildren: Lakin (Gary) Porter of Mitchell and Remington Wayne Rutherford (fiancée Kendra Troutman) of Orleans, and one great-great-grandson, infant Ryker Porter of Mitchell. Also surviving Norma is her sister-in-law Sue Hawkins of Paoli, many treasured nieces and nephews, and her step-family: Trent (Jennifer) and Connor Wilson, and Hannah (Dillon) Robling of Alfordsville.

Due to restrictions surrounding the present COVID-19 pandemic, a private service will be held with burial in Patoka Chapel Cemetery. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Patoka Chapel Cemetery Fund at 9018 S County Road 625 W, English IN 47118. Online condolences may be made at DillmanScottFuneralHome.com

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