Norma (Arlene) Truesdel

Shortly after midnight on January 1, 2024, Norma Arlene Truesdel sadly passed away peacefully at the age of 77 in Indianapolis. Her final hours were spent surrounded by family. She was a beautiful woman who spread joy and happiness wherever she went.

She was a caring wife, mother and grandmother who was always there when needed. She had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community. Known for her kindness and passion for education, Arlene will be dearly missed by all who knew her. The Truesdel family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to life and not the sadness of her passing.

Arlene attended George Washington High School in Indianapolis, Indiana State University and received her Master’s in Elementary Education from Butler University. The majority of her educational career was spent in the Hamilton Southeastern School District in Fishers, IN. She was an elementary teacher for 35 years and a two-time Channel 13 “Teacher of the Year.”

As a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 25 years, she shared her love and compassion through community service and charity. Strong and brave, she conquered many obstacles along the way. She had the heart of a lion, yet championed goodwill, giving, and education for all people.

Arlene was preceded in death by her father, Arley Perdue and mother, Iva Perdue. She is survived by her husband, John Truesdel of Fishers, IN; son, Walker Truesdel of Fishers, IN; and son, Max, his wife Courtney and three grandchildren, Graham, Jessen and Brooks Truesdel of Arvada, CO.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association-Indiana, www.diabetes.org or St. Joseph’s Indian School, www.stjo.org/give .

“This I believe: A hundred years from now it will not matter the sort of house I lived in, what my bank account was or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child!”

-Unknown Author