Jana Dee (Stautamoyer) Norris, 81, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Morrison Woods Health Campus in Muncie, where she was affectionately known as Jana Banana. She was born on October 3, 1944 in Muncie, Indiana to the late Joe Stautamoyer and Nada (Doolittle) Stautamoyer.  Jana’s early years were shaped by her father’s career in the Air Force, leading her family to live in Newfoundland, Canada, and later to Kent, England, where she spent a portion of her elementary school years. Jana graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1962. She married her high school sweetheart, Samuel Norris, on February 7, 1964. They celebrated their 59th Anniversary just before his passing. In 1976, Jana and Sam established Weldors Inc. which they owned and operated until Sam’s death. 

Jana was a lifelong learner and educator. She graduated from Ball State University with two Bachelor’s Degrees and a Master’s Degree. She was a teacher at Wilson Junior High School and Ivy Tech in Muncie. She always encouraged reading and learning to those around her. She was a member of the school board for Cowan Community Schools for 24 years.

Jana’s participation as a Girl Scout inspired her to continue her involvement and become a Girl Scout leader. She was a master seamstress and made many of her own clothes. She won the award of “Young Stylemaker” in a style review held by the Singer Sewing Machine Company. 

Jana loved watching her grandchildren participate in their sporting events. Baseball and softball were two of her favorites. She would often yell at the umpires, referees, and even at the TV. 

Though Jana often appeared reserved, she never hesitated to speak up when conviction or necessity demanded it. She also had a very good sense of humor. Sometimes she would get her point across without saying a word with one of her well-known “Jana looks”.  Her naturally curly red hair made her extra sassy and feisty, earning her the family nickname “Fireball”.

Survivors are: Son, Shane Norris (Stephanie); Daughter, Shelley Norris; Two Grandchildren, Nate Norris (Haley) and Ryann Sarno (Andrew); Sister, Gail Stautamoyer; Sisters-in-law, Paulette Stautamoyer and Linda Lindsey (Harold); Aunt, Jeanne NewKirk, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jana is preceded in death by her husband, her brother, David Stautamoyer, parents and grandparents, her father-in-law Ralph Norris and her mother-in-law V. Laverne Norris Ables. 

Parson Mortuary, 801 W Adams St, Muncie, is in charge of all funeral arrangements. Calling hours are Tuesday, January 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again Wednesday, January 7, from 12:00 p.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service begins. Burial will follow at Elm Ridge Cemetery.