Norma Shank, 74
Born: July 30,1936
Died: June 2, 2012

Norma Shank, 74, of Lake Placid, Fla., died at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, following an extended illness.

Norma was born in Granby, Mo., on July 30, 1936, to Gene and Emma Fitzgerald.

Norma was united in marriage to Bill Shank on Oct. 1, 1955.

Together they celebrated more than 56 years of loving companionship. Norma was a devoted wife to Bill, and Bill to her.

Norma was a vital part of the founding, operations, and success of Central Produce Sales Inc. established in 1984.  As co-founder and corporate officer, she was instrumental in day-to-day operations of the business.
“Mrs. Norma” was known as the voice on the phone at Central Produce Sales.

Through her efforts the business continues as a preferred provider of produce to major, national food processing establishments. She served as secretary treasurer until her death.

Norma loved to work crossword puzzles and going to dinner with friends. She especially enjoyed the weather and their home in Florida.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bill Shank.

Also surviving are:three sons, Terry (Theta) Shank of Rome, Ga., Kenton(Stacie) Shank of Ojai, Calif., and Victor (Lisa) Shank of Dowagiac; sister, Karen (Leonard) Godfrey of Estero, Fla.; brother, Ernest (Janice) Fitzgerald of New Boston, Mich.; six grandchildren, Annie (Chad) Wolfe, Jason (Lauren) Shank, Stephanie Reed, Maggie (Charlie) Bergen, Jeremy Shank and Tori Shank; four great-grandchildren, Isabella Wolfe, Jeremy Reed, Reegan Wolfe and Tayten Hayes.

A memorial service will be held at Yazel-Clark Chapel, Dowagiac, on Saturday, June 16, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, Md. 20910 or make a memorial gift online at www.phassociation.org.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Norma at www.yazel-clark.com.