Norma Kathleen Bilton

Norma Kathleen Bilton, 97, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at the Norwalk Memorial Home. She was born on March 18, 1929, in Ashland, Ohio, to the late Donald V. and Ellen I. (Rinehart) Bailey. Norma graduated from New London High School in 1946, and was very close with her classmates, only missing one reunion since graduation. While in school she was a Drum Major.

Full of life, determined, and spunky, Norma was wonderful with people, and had a heart for hospitality. She loved to travel, was a member of the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association), and had been to all except one state (Rhode Island) with her late husband, Eugene. Some of her favorite trips were to Panama, Alaska, and Sweden. She and Eugene had a family farm in Hartland Township, the two did everything together, whether it was working, bowling, dancing, or playing cards. Norma was also an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and could be described as an “armchair cheerleader”.

She is survived by her children, Vickie Maynard of Redlands, California, Dennis (Debra) Bilton of Alta Loma, California, Pam Boss of Norwalk, Ohio, and Rodney (fiancé, Sandy Magi) Bilton, of Norwalk, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews; she is also survived by “special daughter”, Gunvor Larsson, an AFS Exchange Student the family hosted who became like family, from Umea, Sweden.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, Eugene Bilton, in 2020; brother, Dean Bailey, and son in-law, Jim Boss.

In keeping with Norma’s wishes, a private family graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to The Foundation Church, 535 US-20 East, Norwalk, OH 44857, Enrichment Center of Huron County, 325 Shady Lane Dr., Norwalk, OH 44857, or the New London Alumni Association, 51000 New London Eastern Rd., Nova, OH 44859. Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting: www.eastmanfuneralhome.com