Norma Jane (Hooker) Dorsey

Norma Jane (Hooker) Dorsey, 83, of Dennison and formerly of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, after a period of declining health, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born at home on April 2, 1942, in Dennison, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Clarence “C.H.” and Norma (Wells) Hooker.

Norma was blessed with a joyful childhood and spoke of it often, stories she loved to tell, each one engraved in her family's hearts. She grew up alongside her six siblings, forming bonds that lasted throughout her life.

She was a proud graduate of Uhrichsville High School in 1960. Norma worked in her family's business, C.H. Hooker Trucking, from the age of 13 until her daughter, Tammy, was born. She married the love of her life, Michael Eugene Dorsey, on June 6, 1970, at St. Mary’s in Dennison.

Norma was a devoted mother, room mother, den mother, volunteer, and friend. She cared deeply for others and lived her life in constant service, whether it was helping at school, supporting her children’s activities, or simply being the steady, comforting presence everyone could rely on. She also volunteered at Sacred Heart, Conotton Valley, and Indian Valley South Schools.

Norma also took great pride in her independence. She was able to live on her own and manage her life her way right up until her passing, with the loving support of her son-in-law, Ken, who was always there to help when she needed it. “I did it my way” could have been her personal anthem, and she was proud of the life she built and the choices she made on her own terms.

Of all her roles, “Mom” and “Grandma” were the ones she cherished most. She loved her children fiercely and treasured every conversation, visit, and memory, especially those with her granddaughter, Jenna, who was her "Baby Doll". You could never get off the phone with her without hearing at least one childhood story, often one you’d already heard a hundred times, and you were grateful for the hundred and first.

Norma is now reunited with her beloved husband, Mike; her son, Ty Allan; and her daughter, Tammy Kaye Houston. After nearly 30 years apart from her son and 1 year apart from her daughter, her family finds deep comfort in knowing they are together again. She is also joyfully reunited with her parents; her sister, Betty L.; her brothers, C.H. Hooker Jr., Jimmie Doyle, Carl Eugene, and Dean Richard; and many other loved ones who welcomed her home.

She leaves her love and legacy with her daughter, Tanya (Heather) Dorseyshell of Lakewood; her son-in-law, Ken Houston, and granddaughter, Jenna Houston, of Dennison; her sister, Carol Ann (James) Marsh of New Philadelphia; her lifelong friend, Nancy Pallotto of New Philadelphia; and Regina (Chris) Kail of Dover, who was like a daughter to her and held a special place in her heart.

Norma also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom she loved deeply, along with great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry her stories forward.

Norma’s family finds comfort in knowing she left this world peacefully, surrounded by love, having lived life her way, and reunited with those she longed to see again — until we all meet again.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. Father Jeff Coning will officiate her funeral in the chapel at the funeral home beginning at 3 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Dennison at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Norma’s memory may be directed to St. Jude.