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Norma Jean Ward, 89, passed away July 9, 2020, at Almost Home, in Great Bend. She was born on August 30, 1930, at Tulsa, Okla., to Norman G. & Lela M. (Aulger) Souther. In her younger years, Norma grew up in the Kansas City, Mo. area. She met Jerry M. Ward in January at KU and they married in September 24, 1949 at Kansas City, Missouri. He died May 28, 2014.

A Great Bend resident since 1952, Norma taught in the art department and was a curator for the Shaffer Art Gallery at Barton Community College until she retired in 1998. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Pilot Club, Progressive Club, several bridge groups, and Art Inc. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association and had served on the library board. Norma was instrumental in getting the Camp Fire Girls started in Great Bend and was a leader for many years. She liked KU sports, art, to travel, and play golf but especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include, two sons, Martin Ward and wife Janet of Lawrence, and Bob Ward and wife Sueno of Tokyo; a daughter, Dana Peters and husband Mike of Shawnee; six grandchildren, Jeremy Ward and wife Carisa, Christopher Ward, Brian Peters, Kelli Nwude and husband Uchenna, Stacy Dirks and husband Chris, and Stefanie Ward; and seven great grandchildren, Maddox Ward, Braxton Ward, Sterling Ward, Amadi Nwude, Jidenna Nwude, Okezie Nwude, and Corbin Dirks. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry M. Ward; and a sister, Mary Wayne Smith .

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2020, at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Morita Truman presiding. Please enter through the North door by the preschool entrance. A private family inurnment will be held at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Almost Home or Shaffer Art Gallery, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.