Norma Jean Dent

**Norma Jean Dent**, 83, of Versailles entered into God's eternal care at 3:20am Monday, October 31, 2016 at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born on November 19, 1932 in Lockland, Ohio the daughter of Norman and Bessie Bray Ray. On December 21, 1957 she married her college sweetheart, James Dent, and after 58 years of wonderful marriage, he survives. Norma was valedictorian of the Holton High School class of 1950. She graduated with honors from Ball State University and earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Cincinnati. Norma had a teaching career that spanned three decades, during which she taught children in many grade levels and instructed college students in English for Purdue University. Norma was known as an exacting teacher who set a standard of excellence for herself and similarly demanded high achievement from each of her students. She always delighted in hearing from students she had taught over the years. After retiring from teaching, Norma began the second act of her professional life as a small business owner. She could often be found working behind the counter of one of her four video stores. She had a keen eye for real estate opportunities and enjoyed the process of construction and interior decorating. Norma was an avid doll collector, a fierce, two-time cancer survivor, and above all, an indulgent grandmother. Norma knew Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and was a member of the Tyson United Methodist Church. She is survived by her two daughters, Allison Dent of Versailles, and Jessica (Matthew) Bailey of Greensburg; three grandsons Nicholas, Nathaniel, and Alexander Bailey; one sister Owanna Stratton of Versailles. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3 at 11am at the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles with Rev. Mike Dixon officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, November 2 from 4pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and on Thursday from 10am until time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the Tyson United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.