Norma Elaine Cain Spears
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Norma Elaine (Larrance) Cain Spears, 97, of Anderson passed away on December 18, 2023 at Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson. She was born on February 24, 1926 in Hammond, Indiana to Heber and Madolyn (Hall) Larrance.
Norma graduated from Thornton Fractional High School in 1944 in Lansing, IL, did her undergraduate work at Anderson University ’73, and earned her Masters in Education from Ball State University ’76. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Anderson where she served as a Deacon.
As a young woman, Norma worked for Illinois Bell as a telephone operator during WWII. Her calling, though was to be an educator. Norma retired from the Anderson Community School Corporation where she served as an elementary school teacher until retiring at the age of 70. During her tenure, she was recognized as the Indiana State Teacher of the Year and endearingly referred to by her students as “Cain the Pain”. She also owned and operated Cain’s Termite and Pest Control with her first husband, Donald Cain.
Norma was a member of the Victoria Guild at St. John’s Hospital, MENTA (Masters in Education Need Time Away), and faithfully participated in the retired teachers monthly luncheons. She enjoyed traveling, winning with her bowling team, “the Gutter Dusters”, and entertaining residents of regional nursing homes as a member of a country-western dance troupe from Alexandria.
Norma is survived by four daughters, Lynn (Tom) Julian of Sun City West, AZ, Donna Madewell of Anderson, Susan Cain of Anderson, and Madolyn (George) Shaw of Huntington; one brother, Richard (Sherri) Larrance of Merrillville; one sister, Jane (Mike Zabawa) Larrance of Colorado; and two step-sons, Dennis (Irmela) Spears of Port Charlotte, FL, and John Spears of Anderson.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Donald Julian; Larrance Cain, Jr., Jennifer Bachus; Michael Cain, Erin Cain, Chance Madewell, Forrest Cain, Tanner Reece, Jacob (Alexis) Shaw, Samuel Shaw, Elaine Shaw; step-grandchildren, Jill Spears, Susan Spears, Johnny Spears; and many loving great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Larrance Cain; her first husband, Donald Cain, her second husband, Harold Spears; three sisters; and one brother.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.