Norma Jean Mann

Mann, Norma Jean (Staton) age 95, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Springboro, OH. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, on December 23, 1930, to Chester Harley and Nettie Mae (Peck) Staton. She worked at Armco Steel and Monsanto and retired from Elder-Beerman as the Manager of the Infants and Toddlers Department in 2006. Norma married Rowland Delano "Doc" Mann on November 10, 1951, and they purchased their home in Trenton, Ohio, in 1957.

Norma was a years-long volunteer for Great Rivers Girl Scouts as a troop leader and the "neighborhood cookie lady," and was awarded "Woman of the Year" by Miami University-Middletown's Women's Studies Department in 2011 for her brave contributions to and outspoken support of gender equality. She enjoyed dressing up (and did it well), fine dining, and music of any kind, but Elvis Presley and Conway Twitty always held a special place in her heart. Norma was a wonderful mom who loved to laugh and have fun. She loved her family and especially enjoyed family celebrations, with Christmas being her favorite, although she always insisted that her birthday presents not be wrapped in "anything Christmas-y." When Doc was stationed in Germany, the two took advantage of the opportunity to visit several countries, and they traveled extensively throughout the US during their 71 years of marriage. During their travels, they met and spoke with Pope Pius XII, Queen Elizabeth II, Elvis, AJ Foyt, and many other local and national celebrities. They were Cleveland Browns season ticket holders until 1967, and then had Cincinnati Bengals season tickets until 2021. Both were avid fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, and Indy and Nascar racing.

In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband in 2022, her brothers, William "Bud" Staton and James "Jay" Staton, sister-in-law Elinora Staton, and brother-in-law Larry Ellemann.

Norma is survived by her daughters Chelle (Greg) Creekbaum and Jodi (Rick) Mann-Bella, grandson Jesse (Taylor McNally) Creekbaum, sister-in-law Dorothy Staton, sisters-in-law Jane (Richard) Hieger, Barbara Ellemann, and Joyce (Rick) Schaeffer, nieces Linda Staton-Earps, Brenda (Randy) Bluhm, Paula (Mark) Schmidt, Melissa (Michael Collins) Hieger, Laura (Charlie Johnson) Ellemann, and Robin (Derek) Grace, nephews Jim (Marcy) Staton, Rick (late Betty) Staton, Jeff Staton, Steven (Francisco Fernandez) Hieger, Rick Schaeffer, and Robert (Carrie) Ellemann.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at the Spinning Forchetta (4444 Hamilton Middletown Rd, Hamilton OH 45011) on Saturday, March 7th, from 2p-4p.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Chelle and Jodi ask that you take time to visit an older relative or friend and give them a hug.