Gaile Patricia Norkus, age 73, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at IU Health Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana from complications due to leukemia.
Gaile was born on November 9, 1945 in Anderson, Indiana the daughter of the late LeRoy and Goldie (Smoot) Smith. She was a graduate of Anderson High School in 1964. She married Stanley Norkus, Jr. in July of 1968, and he preceded her in death on May 11, 1998.
She was a case manager at Work One in Marion for 40 years. Gaile’s life was rooted in her community and she was very active in the Curfman Community Garden, the Neighborhood Bend of the River, and the Books and Bikes Art Festival. She belonged to two Euchre Clubs and enjoyed Indian Pow Wows and the Native American Folklore. Gaile’s true passion was photography and she was also a master gardener.
She is survived by a brother, Edward (Kathleen) Smith of Anderson; a sister, Rebecca Eglen of Anderson; a sister-in-law, Bobbie Norkus of Marion; several cousins; several beloved nieces and nephews, Mark (Mary) Smith, Kathy (Tim) Pedro, David (Teresa) Smith, Ann Marie Henriott, Daniel Smith, Neta Norkus, Vincent (Amy) Norkus, Darcie L. (Steve) Rueschhoff, and Holly Ann (James) Terchila; several beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, Katherine Norkus, Alexandra Norkus, David Burgett, Hailey Norkus, Holden Norkus, Audrey Norkus, Jimmy Terchila and Allison Rueschhoff; and many other beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Michael E. Norkus, Patrick Norkus and Larry E. Eglen.
Friends and family may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2019 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Chuck Vernon officiating.
Burial will follow funeral services in Estates of Serenity Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, 505 S. Miller Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com