Norma Jean (Straube) Harms, 94, passed from this life at Gold Crest Retirement Center in Adams on March 19, 2023. She was born at a home in rural Burr, Nebraska to Theodore and Pauline (Benson) Straube on November 16, 1928. Norma attended Saunders Creek Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Burr High School in 1948. After high school, she attended 1 year at the University of Nebraska before receiving a degree from the Lincoln School of Commerce in comptometers operator. Norma married Willie Harms at St. John Lutheran Church in Sterling on November 11, 1951. They were married for 70 years. She worked at Russell Stover’s Candies in Lincoln and the Syracuse CCC Farm Office before becoming a devoted wife and homemaker. Norma was a Scout Den Mother and served many years as a Sunday school teacher. In her later years, she worked as a janitor at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sterling.

Norma is survived by her children, Norman (Sandy) Harms of Hallam, NE, Jeanine (Vernon) Hazen of Sterling, NE, Lorraine (David) Bigley of Beatrice, NE, Martin (Teresa) Harms of Alvo, NE, Ann (David) Wagner of St. Louis, MO, Sheryl (Joe) Prai, of Kyle, TX, Walt (Janet) Harms of Beatrice, 22 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Pauline (Benson) Straube; husband, Willie Harms, July 14, 2022; brothers, Ralph Straube and Melvin Straube; two sisters-in-law, Aggie Straube and Frieda Straube.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church of Sterling with Pastor Kevin Arndt officiating. Burial will be in the Sterling Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Zink-Fox Funeral Home of Sterling. The family will meet and greet family and friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30P.M at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the family for future designation with Ruth Buss in charge.  www.foxfuneralhome.net  Arrangements entrusted to Zink-Fox Funeral Home of Sterling.