Norma Peterson

Monday, November 26, 2001

Norma Peterson

HAYES CENTER -- Norma Jean Nitsch was born at White on July 10, 1932, to Carl L. and Leona E. (Lewin) Nitsch. She attended elementary school in rural Hayes County and graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1949. Norma lost a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday (Nov. 21, 2001).

Norma and Richard Peterson were united in marriage on Feb. 17, 1950, and made their home east of Hayes Center. Two children, Bruce and Lana, blessed their marriage. In 1976, they moved to Hayes Center where they have lived since.

Norma taught one year in rural Hayes County. Through the years, she worked at the A.S.C. office, the Hayes County Clerk's office, and served as bookkeeper at the local elevator. She retired as office manager at the Hayes County Farmers Co-op in 1999.

She was an active member of the Union Congregational Church of Christ and various other community organizations, serving most recently on the Board of Directors of the Hayes County Senior Center. A few of Norma's favorite things, besides her two grandchildren, Nolan and Rhea, included watching birds in her backyard, garden flowers, a good game of cards, a balanced ledger at the end of the business day, completing a crossword puzzle, homemade ice cream, May's little donkeys, Florida sunshine, Christmas Eve, the last snow of winter, and the first birds of spring.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Carol Nitsch Fuller.

Survivors include her husband, Richard; one son, Bruce of Marathon Key, Fla.; one daughter, Lana and husband, Rick May of Hayes Center; grandchildren Nolan May and Rhea May, students at Nebraska Wesleyan University; one brother, Joe Nitsch of Hayes Center, nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends.

Funeral services were today at the Union Congregational Church in Hayes Center with the Rev. Rod Church officiating. Interment was at the Hayes Center Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.