Norma Lawrence

Norma Jean Lawrence, age 95, of rural Portland passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Crown Pointe in Portland. 

She was born in Blackford County on Oct. 28, 1930, the daughter of Walter and Letha Pearl (Ford) Knox. She was a 1948 graduate of Roll High School, worked in school cafeteria at Poling and Bloomfield schools, managed Essen Platz Restaurant at Amishville for 13 years and worked for Bearcreek Farms for 20 years. She was a member of Bryant Senior Citizens, Bryant Wesleyan Church and Jay County Hospital Auxiliary.

Surviving are three sons, William “Bill” Lawrence of Bluffton, Charles Lawrence (wife: Sheryl) of Portland and John Lawrence (wife: Kelli) of Portland; three daughters, Patricia Frazee (husband: Ralph) of Pennville, Roberta “Robin” Myers (husband: Dave) of Bryant and Martha Hogg of Linn Grove; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by sisters Ellen Knox and Betty Hardt; and son-in-law Randy Hogg.

Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Van Cise presiding. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories in Muncie. Visitation will be Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to the Jay County Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.