Norma Jean Rickert

Norma Jean Rickert

was born on October 6, 1938 , in Okaloosa County, Florida.  She was the 17th child of her birthparents, and was adopted by Martha Ruth Holmes within weeks.  She was raised in Montgomery, Alabama.

Norma attended Alabama Christian School, and as a teenager, worked as a car hop waitress on roller skates.  In 1954 she met Everett Rickert, who was in Montgomery for training.  When he returned to Montgomery in July 1955, he proposed marriage.  On July 31, 1955, Norma married Everett in an outdoor ceremony in Montgomery.  They lived in Fairfield, California near Travis Air Force Base where Everett was stationed.

Norma gave birth to her two sons, Brian (1956) and Greg (1957),  at Travis Air Force Base Hospital, and in 1959 she moved back to be with Everett’s family in Indiana when he was scheduled to go to South Korea.    Everett shipped out on the day Susan (1959) was born in Indiana.  The family was reunited 18 months later when Everett returned.  They established their new home on a dairy and  grain farm in  Union City, Indiana, and in 1963 Norma gave birth to Julie.  They later owned a restaurant, The Shadows, and eventually sold the farm and moved “into town.”  She also worked as a Nursing Home bookkeeper.  They lived for a brief period of time in Arlington, Texas and Lafayette, Indiana, but moved to Indianapolis in 1989.  

Norma  travelled a great deal after Everett’s death in 1994.  She spent time in England, Scotland, France, Singapore, Japan, Bali, Australia, Puerto Rico, and of course, Las Vegas.  She also became well versed in all aspects of the NFL, not just her favorite team, the Colts. 

Norma was known for her work ethic, and instilled that in her children.  She showed her love by her actions.  She was an amazing mother and grandmother, not only to her children, but also to all her children’s friends and their children. 

Norma Jean Rickert departed this life on April 2, 2011 at the age of seventy-two.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett,  and her mother, Martha Ruth Holmes.  She leaves to cherish her memories her four children; Brian Rickert (Marcia), Greg Rickert (Bobbi), Susan Rickert (Susan) , and Julie Phealon (Nigel), as well as  three grandsons, Tyson, Corby and Frankie, and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Friends and family may call Tuesday April 5, 2011 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home located at 12010 Allisonville Road Fishers, IN.  Services will be held Wednesday April 6, 2011 at the Reichard Funeral Home Inc. at 2:00 PM with one hour of visitation prior to the service.  Burial will follow at the Weimer Cemetery.