M. Lois Norton (nee Mays) of Wellington, Ohio died Friday, October 21, 2016 at the age of 89. She was born in Duncan Falls, Ohio and graduated from Philo High School in 1944 where she was a cheerleader and member of the band, orchestra and choir. She went on to The Ohio State University where she studied English and drama, sang in the University Chorus, Women's Glee Club, Columbus Light Opera Company and interned at Cain Park Theatre in Cleveland two summers. Lois graduated from OSU in 1948 and began her teaching career with stints at Nelsonville, Van Wert and Philo High Schools before coming to Wellington in 1951 to teach English and speech. She married her husband, funeral director William G. Norton, in 1953 and they purchased the Andrews Funeral Home in Wellington that year. Lois received her funeral director's license in 1956 after which they moved the business to its current location on South Main Street in 1957. She returned to teaching English and speech at Wellington High School in 1967, was named Teacher of the Year by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in 1978, and retired in 1986 with 25 years of service. As well as teaching, she was a licensed Realtor with King Realty in Wellington for 22 years being twice named Realtor of the Year. Lois was active for many years in the First United Methodist Church, Cub Scouts, Women's Afternoon Club, Order of the Eastern Star and the Greater Lorain and Firelands Funeral Directors' Associations. In her retirement Lois showed a Hackney pony in Ohio and surrounding states and traveled around the world for 15 years with her older sister. She was currently attending the First Baptist Church in Wellington. Lois was preceded in death by her husband William G. in 2005; her parents, Walter C. and Lois Mays (nee Winters) of Zanesville; and a brother Howard D. Mays. She is survived by her sons Craig (Becky) Norton of Wellington and Jon (Elaine) Norton of New Albany; grandsons Kyle Norton of Sugar Grove and Keith (Joy) Norton of New Albany and great grandchildren Beau Norton and Brooke Norton also of New Albany. Also surviving are sisters Shirley FitzPatrick of Bowerston and Carolyn Lamacchia of Dayton. Calling hours will be Monday, October 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main Street, and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services beginning at 11 a.m. The Reverend Tom Alexander of the First Baptist Church of Wellington will officiate and burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wellington Schools Endowment General Fund, 305 Union Street, Wellington, OH 44090. Condolences may be directed online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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