Norma Jean Davidson

Norma Jean Davidson, age 89, of Celina, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Otterbein St. Marys SeniorLife Community.

She was born July 18, 1932, in Van Wert, to Glenn Russell Sr. & B. Leah (Mottinger) Matthews.          

Norma Jean and Milton A. Davidson were married on December 24, 1961, and he passed away November 23, 2020.  Their only child, Shawn Kay Rammel, preceded them in death on November 24, 2014.

Surviving are her granddaughters: Lindsey (Tony) Bidlack and Aubrey Rammel, and a great grandson, Luke Bidlack, all of Celina, and a son-in-law, John T. Rammel of St. Henry.  Her brother, James (Beverly) Matthews also survives, along with many nieces and nephews.   

Preceding her in death were a brother and four sisters: Mary Ellen Matthews, Margaret McBride, Glenn Matthews Jr., Marilyn Zizelman Stewart and Judy Menchofer.

Norma Jean was a 1950 Neptune High School graduate, and traveled to Arizona, working for General Telephone.  She retired from GTE after 15 years of service.  Norma Jean had also been the Clerk of Celina Municipal Court, and worked for 5 years as a Deputy Clerk with the Third Judicial District Court in Anchorage, Alaska.

She and Milton lived in many places while he was in the service, including: Anchorage, Alaska, Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Germany.  After Milton's retirement from the Air Force in Alaska, the Davidson's returned to Celina, driving the Al-Can Highway in their motor home.  Twenty years later, they made a return trip to Alaska in their motor home, once again traversing the Al-Can Highway.  

Norma Jean and Milton thoroughly enjoyed RV camping and traveling.  She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Celina.  Norma Jean was an avid supporter of her daughter's and granddaughters' horse show events.  She was a seamstress, and made ornate show clothing, and also dance costumes for the girls.

She enjoyed cooking for her family, and spending time with family was all-important to Norma Jean.  Her beloved dog, Sophie was a wonderful companion, as well as other pets she had over the years.  A strong-willed woman, Norma Jean battled cancer several times, and retained her positive spirit and independence.  An inspiration to others, Norma Jean will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, family, and friends.

Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, on Tuesday, July 12, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., with the Funeral Service to begin at 2:00.  Deacon Andy Rammel will officiate.  Burial will follow at North Grove Cemetery, Celina. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County, P.O. Box 624, Celina, 45822-0624.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norma Jean Davidson, please visit our floral store.