Norma Jean Farrington, 84, of Montezuma, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Grinnell Regional Medical Center Monday evening, Feb. 1, 2016. Funeral services were held Feb. 8, at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. As was her wish, her body will be cremated following the service, and a private family burial will be held in the West Liberty Cemetery west of Montezuma.
Norma Jean Farrington, the daughter of Alfred and Dena (Van Hoover) Tish, was born Nov. 12, 1931, near Montezuma. She attended country school near Montezuma and Montezuma High School.
Norma Jean left school after the ninth grade to be a nanny to help her sister. Norma Jean married Jim Farrington and to this union six children were born: Nancy, Alan, Rebecca, Pamela, Scott, and David. Norma Jean worked at the Overall Factory and Sig Manufacturing for a short while. A woman of faith with a big heart, Norma Jean fostered over 200 foster children, receiving the Foster Parent of the Year Award. She enjoyed gardening, singing, dancing, and above all spending time with her family and raising her foster children. Norma Jean was a faithful member of the West Liberty Church and also helped with their Vacation Bible School.
Norma Jean's memory will be honored by her children, Nancy (Walter) Hagist of Searsboro, Alan Farrington of Searsboro, Rebecca (Skip) Fatzinger of Montezuma, Pamela (Michael) Benelli of Phoenix, AZ, Scott Farrington of Montezuma, and David Farrington of Montezuma; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Jim, Bonnie, and Joyce; a brother, Earl (Marilyn) Tish of Newton; and over 200 foster children.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Farrington; three grandchildren, Tony Farrington, Shawna Hicks, and Andrea Farrington; and a sister, Coleen Johnson.
