Norma Jean Roach

Norma Jean Roach (Driskell) of Owensboro, passed away on January 4, 2026, at Wesley Manor Retirement Community in Louisville.

She was born in National City, California, on July 5, 1934, to Richard Amon Driskell and Lena Driskell. After living several years in California, the family moved back to her childhood home in Hites Run, KY, located in Breckinridge County.

Norma graduated from Breckinridge County High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in History from what is now Western Kentucky University. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Education from WKU as well. She taught school at Southern Junior High School in Owensboro. After the birth of her sons, Norma worked as a substitute teacher when her homemaker duties allowed.

Outside the classroom, Norma was active in her church, Settle Memorial United Methodist Church. She taught middle school youth and served as a cook at Camp Loucon for youth trips. Norma was also involved in the church’s knitting and quilting groups.

Norma and her husband Bill were avid cyclists who enjoyed overnight camping trips on their bicycles throughout Kentucky and surrounding areas.

In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Lazwell and Patricia Joanne Ball; her brother, Richard Elwin Driskell; and her son, William Tim Roach.

Those left to honor her memory include her loving husband of 65 years, William "Bill" Roach; her son, Terry Roach (Tracey); her daughter-in-law, Lori Roach; four grandchildren, Alex (Charity), Kyle, her favorite granddaughter Emily Jones (Austin), and Sam; one great-grandchild, Graham Amon Jones; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Norma will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Wesley Manor Retirement Community, Settle Memorial UMC, and Down Syndrome of Louisville.

Memories and condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.glenncares.com