Norma Leas

Norma "Jean" Warvel Leas, 89, of Vincennes passed away at 3:08 p.m. June 1, 2020 at Bridgepointe Health Campus. Until February she had been a long time resident at Frenchtowne Apartments, where she made many dear friends. For many years she lined up their weekly Chapel speakers.She was born September 21, 1930 in Palestine Ohio to Levi Linn and Elsie Estella (Koontz) Warvel. She grew up in rural Darke County OH on a farm with her two brothers Dorla and Robert. She graduated from Greenville OH High School in 1948, and worked as a telephone operator before completing her Licensed Practical Nurse course, which she put to good use over the rest of her life.She was a houseparent and cook at Woodstock Children's Home IL before coming to cook at the Knox County Children's Home in 1973. When the KCCH closed in 1977 she for a time worked at the Knox County Public Library, at Fox Ridge Manor, and as a caregiver. She was always cheerful and caring. She was one who not only read, but digested the words of Jesus. She had an inquiring mind and keen spiritual insight. Even until her move in February she enjoyed reading deep books and listening to good preachers on the radio. Actively volunteering with Welch Diabetes Center and Generations for many years she made many friends.She was a faithful member of the Free Methodist Church since 1980. Those who knew her will remark upon her many kindnesses to others, and her sweet, calm nature. Having trusted Jesus as her Savior as a young woman it was always her desire to share His love and show it to others. "Encourager" "Faithful" and "Prayer Warrior" are words that many will use to describe Jean. She was diligent in sending notes of encouragement to many, and loved by many as her collection of cards sent to Bridgepointe indicate: most days she got mail. Thank you to the staff at Bridgepointe and their loving care especially since Covid 19 shut Jean off from her world.Surviving are her caregiver Katherine Swank of Vincennes and 7 nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, her step mother Frances and her brothers.A Memorial Service is planned on her 90th Birthday - September 21, 2020 at the Vincennes Free Methodist Church (4th and Sycamore) at 11 a.m.Memorial Contributions may be made out to the Free Methodist Church and will go to one or more of the many ministries dear to her heart.Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home Gardner Brockman Chapel is honored to serve the family of Norma Jean Leas.