NORMA TITUS

Indianola

Norma Darlene Knouf Titus died on Friday November 25, 2016. She was born in Fontanelle, IA on September 23, 1929 to Archer and Hilda (Kluever) Knouf. She completed her high school years in Atlantic, IA, then graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1950 where she served for a time in the polio ward.

Norma married Lowell Dean Titus on December 17, 1950 following his graduation from Iowa State University with a degree in engineering. After the wedding, they settled in Muscatine, IA. There Norma worked first as a hospital nurse, then in a local doctor's office while Lowell started his career in engineering. Most of their life in Muscatine, they enjoyed a breath-taking view of the Mississippi River, watching barges navigate Lock and Dam 16 and the eagles who fished below the dam.

As the family grew, Norma gave up nursing to manage the household and various apartment buildings. She was very active in the Wesley United Methodist Church and was recognized as Layman of the Year in 1971. In the late 1970s, Norma helped to organize an after school tutoring ministry with the Hispanic community that served nearly 1000 students and their parents over the years.  At fifty, she returned to school and obtained a BA in Spanish and Linguistics from the University of Iowa to better serve Spanish speaking families. In 1992, the Iowa/Illinois Literary Council conferred upon Norma a special award for Promoting Literacy; which was presented by Barbara Bush, wife of President Bush.

Norma enjoyed accompanying Lowell occasionally on international engineering work assignments. She also traveled independently for recreation and education, accumulating an impressive count of 26  countries visited. A highlight was their five week tour around the world using frequent flyer miles accumulated from their travels. Norma especially enjoyed the time spent touring New Zealand.

In May of 2001, Norma and Lowell moved to The Village, a retirement community in Indianola, IA. They enjoyed music, theater, recreation and sports activities at The Village, Simpson College and in Des Moines. Norma continued to be a dedicated volunteer, spending many hours helping in the gardens and in the Healthcare Center.

Norma is survived by her husband Lowell, children Bradford, Janet, Barbara and Carol, eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Norma would have us remember one of her favorite quotations: " It is in giving that we receive." Hers has been a life well lived. She will be greatly missed by many beloved friends and by her family.

There will be a memorial service 2 p.m., Saturday, December 17th in the Heritage Room at The Village in Indianola, IA. Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Fund at The Village in Indianola or to Wesley Life Hospice.