WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mary “Midge” Bethuram Norton, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 17, 2011, at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Oct. 10, 1922, in Richmond, Ind., a daughter to the late Lawrence and Ethel (Cash) Whalen.
Mary was first married to Mack Bethuram, this marriage ended in divorce. On Nov. 6, 1976, in Sturgis, she married Jack W. Norton. He preceded her in death Sept. 15, 2000.
Mary has been a resident of Sturgis for the past 43 years, moving here from Richmond, Ind., and had been employed by Three Rivers Rubber Co. and Michiana Container.
She enjoyed crafts, painting, dancing, spending time with her family, and was a “great mom” to her six surviving children: Gene Bethuram of Broken Arrow, Okla., Michelle Akins of Sturgis, Vicki Bethuram of Sturgis, Vaughn (Paulette) Bethuram of Three Rivers, Gary (Pattie) Bethuram of Blue Ridge, Texas, and Roxanne (James) Webb of Sturgis; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Delbert (Doris) Whalen and Jack (Shirley) Whalen.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; six sisters; and five brothers.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, at the Hackman Family Funeral Home — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Mary “Midge” Bethuram Norton will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home with Mr. Allen Whalen, officiating. The family suggest memorial donations be directed to: Roxanne Webb, 1105 Tracy Drive, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
