Norma Jean Gamble, 97, passed away March 18, 2023, surrounded by family at Aster Place Assisted Living, Lafayette, IN.

Born August 13, 1925, in Fairbury, Illinois, to Martha Martin Goode, and Thomas Goode, Jean grew up on a farm.  She attended a one room schoolhouse with her sister, Lucille Goode Mason. Older sister Eloice Goode Godbey was a teacher. The family moved to Jackson Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, from Illinois in 1937 when Jean was twelve years old.  Lawrence “Butch” Gamble noticed her that first day at Jackson School.  They married February 09, 1947, after his Naval service in WWII and started farming.  In their later years they traveled extensively, enjoying Navy Reunions in many different states.  Butch predeceased Jean in 2017.

Jean loved her life as a farm wife.  She was active in the Jackson Heights United Methodist Church, Lambda Tau Delta Social Sorority, and the Tippecanoe County Homemakers Club.  She was instrumental in creating the Home and Family Arts Open Show at the Tippecanoe County Fair.

Jean was proud of her work as an “Apron Lady,” benefitting The Museum at Prophetstown State Park, selling over $30,000. in hand sewn aprons with friends and family at the Indiana State Fair Pioneer Village over several years.  The proceeds were instrumental in furnishing the park’s prairie farmhouse.

For her children she was both a 4-H Leader, and a Girl Scout Leader.  A prolific seamstress, Jean made countless heirloom dolls, bears, ornaments, quilts, and baby clothes. Full hand sewn Easter outfits complete with coats and hats were the norm each Spring.

Jean is survived by her daughter Celia Woodworth (Cloverdale, IN), and granddaughter, Cedar Woodworth (Los Angeles, CA); and son Steven Gamble and wife Shirley, granddaughter Amy Harrold, and her daughter Lillian, grandson Craig Gamble and wife Ashley, their children Conner and Nora, all of rural Lafayette.

Thanks to Burke, Darin, Beth, Shane, Cindy, and Rebecca of Franciscan Hospice.  Special thanks to the entire nursing and kitchen staffs at Aster Place for the many kindnesses shown “Miss Norma.”  Jean will be buried at Concord Cemetery next to her husband of 70 years during a family graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jackson Heights United Methodist Church.

Rest well on your journey Mom.