Norma Ione Hilsabeck was born to Louis and Edith  (Shanks) Hilsabeck on April 8, 1925, in Pana, Illinois.  She moved to Urbana in 1944. She married Bill Childers  in 1947. In addition to being Bill’s partner in numerous  projects and adventures, she was the executive secretary  for Harlan Moore’s building supply business. In 1957,  Norma had one son, also named Bill. After her husband  Bill died in 1984, she spent winters in Ft. Myers, Florida,  with her sister Lois. In 2002, Norma and Lois bought a  house across the street from her son, Bill, his wife Barb,  and most importantly, her grandchildren, Gwen and Wil lie. For the last 6 years, Willie has been Norma’s caretaker. Norma lived a long and vivid life until July 19, 2022,  when she quietly slipped away surrounded by her family. 

To celebrate Norma’s life, we will have a service at the  Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign, 309  W. Green St., Urbana, on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 7 pm. Please bring a mask in case the church requires masks to be worn at that time. 

In addition to the church service, we are having a casual  get-together at Childers Cedar Gulch, 14361 N 750 East  Rd., Fairmount, on Saturday, October 8, starting around  2 pm. We’ll share memories about Norma at the place  that she and the Bills built together. 

If you are unable to attend the church service or the gath ering, you can remember Norma by planting a tree, catch ing a fish, wearing a hat, or cheering for the Illini or the  Cardinals. Donations in her memory can be made to  WILL, the Arbor Day Foundation, the Audubon Society, or  any organization that reflects Norma’s joie de vivre. 

No RSVP is needed for the church service, but one for the  gathering at Childers Cedar Gulch would be appreciated.  RSVP to barb.childers@yahoo.com or Bill’s phone,  217/722-7612.