Norma Ruth (Spain) Poehl

Norma Ruth Poehl, 93, of Michigan City, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, August 1st, 2018.

Norma’s life journey began October 20, 1924 in Rensselaer, Indiana as the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Criswell) Spain, who preceded her in death.

She graduated from Rensselaer High School and was awarded a music scholarship to Whitworth College where she majored in Vocal Performance and minored in English, graduating in 1944.

On December 16, 1945, she married the love of her life, John Poehl, of Michigan City and they were married for 70 years until his passing in April of 2016.

She is survived by her three children: Timothy (Susan) Poehl of Michigan City, Kimberley (Michael) Abbey of Carmel, Indiana, and Mark (Beth) Poehl of LaPorte, Indiana; and grandchildren Joshua Poehl, Amanda (Jon) Mobley, Caitlin (Allan) Swan, Johnathan Abbey, Alexandra Abbey, Ariana Poehl, Lucas Poehl and one great-grandchild Caleb Mobley. She was preceded in death by sisters Esther (Elwood) Ahlgrim and Madelyn (Joseph) Stevens.

Norma was employed by University of Chicago in the clerical department where she had security clearance on the Manhattan Project, Kramer’s Dress Shop of Michigan City, and was director and educator at First Presbyterian Preschool for over 20 years. Norma was a member of First Baptist Church where she held positions as deaconess and treasurer. She was passionate about sharing the joy of music with everyone and served as the Choir Director for 35 years. She served the community as a member of the Women’s Study Club, PTA and numerous community musical productions and events. In her retirement she founded and directed the traveling choral group "The Young At Hearts".

She and husband John shared a love of Lake Michigan, the beach and enjoyed swimming, skiing and boating with their family. Their faith and family were the center of their life. Norma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday August 12, 2018 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel located at 418 Washington Street, Michigan City.

A celebration of life will follow the visitation at 2:30 p.m. Sunday August 12, 2018 with Rev.  Lark Hapke officiating.

A private burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Service League of Michigan City, 301 E. Garfield St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360, American Red Cross, 113 Warren St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360 or to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

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