Lois Jean Norris-Hanson, age 91 and a long-time resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Parkview Assisted Living Center in Elwood after a brief illness. She was born September 5, 1924 in Monon, the daughter of James Howard and Goldia (Kesler) Smith. Lois retired from St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood after more than 23 years where she worked in the business office and was an assistant to the administrator. During her career at the hospital, she worked in many areas of the hospital including quality patient care, medical staff coordination, and director of medical records. She was a 1942 graduate of Monon High School. She married Walter S. Norris in 1946 and he preceded her in death in 1986. She later married Dr. Martin F. Hanson in 2003 and he died later that year. Lois was a leader in the community and donated much of her time to local organizations and helping young people. She was an advisor to the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) organization at Elwood Community High School for more than 26 years. Lois was also a dedicated member of East Main Street Christian Church; a 30 year member of the ABWA (American Business Women's Association); and member of the Madison County Association of Widowed People. Lois dedicated many hours to volunteering at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood, the American Red Cross, United Way of Madison County, the Monon Historical Society, the Northern Madison County Library Board, and as a Director for the Elwood Meals on Wheels program. Lois was recognized by St. Vincent Mercy Hospital for being instrumental in establishing Medicare benefits for the hospital and the community in the early years of the program. Lois' family would like to thank the staff of Parkview Assisted Living and Southern Care Hospice for the love and care provided to Lois and her family during her illness.

Lois' family includes 3 children, Howard Scott (wife Nancy) Norris of Pendleton, Nancy Jean (husband Rick) Sanders of Kokomo, and Phillip James (wife Stephanie) Norris of St. George, Utah; sister, Patricia Thomas of Arkansas; 6 grandchildren, Angela (husband Doug) Lewis, Amy (husband Mark) Gentry, Ashley (husband Michael) Hiland, Caleb Sanders, Jake Norris, and Krista Norris; 6 great-grandchildren, Sierra, Lauren, Connor, Allison, Mallory, and Ava Mae; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Walter Norris; her second husband Dr. Martin Hanson; 3 brothers, Dewey W. Smith, Phillip Melvin Smith, and Harry Howard Smith; and 2 sisters, Ethel Richardson and Zoe Marie Baker.

A funeral service celebrating Lois' life will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 8, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating, and will start with a memorial service by the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Volunteers. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation or East Main Street Christian Church through the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made at copherfeslermay.com.