Norma Jean Storms, 92, passed away on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society–Valley Vista, in Wamego, Kansas.
Norma was born to Fred and Lillian Daughters on April 11, 1929 at the Bull Creek Township homestead of her paternal grandparents, Frank and Katherine Daughters. Norma was the first of eight children.
Norma attended grade school with her siblings at Sunnyside School. She attended Winner High School, graduating in 1946. After graduation she worked at JC Penney for five years as a cashier/bookkeeper then as a bookkeeper at the Winner Livestock Auction Company.
As a career girl, Norma enjoying spending time with her many friends and family, traveling and even hiking the buttes west of Winner! Her vast wardrobe was the envy of her younger sisters who often ‘borrowed’ favorite outfits.
On Aug. 28, 1953, Norma married James Storms from Keyapaha, SD after his return to the U.S. from his Korean War deployment. They were married in Clearfield, SD then lived in Tampa, FL during the remainder of Jim’s enlistment in the US Air Force.
Throughout their marriage, Norma was always a partner in the true sense of the word. Through Jim’s law enforcement career, she was an active member of the Tripp County Republicans, working for his re-election every two years. From the mid-1970’s on, she was a partner in businesses she and Jim owned. In addition to this, community involvement played a large part of her life. She was a life-time member of the VFW Auxiliary holding several post positions including the South Dakota District President. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish for over 60 years. She was a charter member of the local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a member of the Catholic Daughters, Avenue of Flags, a volunteer at the Tripp County Historical Society and in the Winner Public Schools.
In her retirement Norma continued her community involvement while playing bridge with her friends, entertaining, baking and being a Grandma.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, her son, William, brothers Donald, Roger and Russell Daughters, and sisters Avis Bilyeu and Marilyn Laycock.
She is survived by her children Gail Dunford (Lynn) of Wamego, KS and Susan Storms (Bob) of Eden Prairie, MN; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Storms of Winner, SD; grandchildren Dr. Gretchen Dunford of Colby, KS, Claire Shaver (Daniel) of Kansas City, MO, Kaelob Storms and Jacob Storms of Flandreau, SD; a great-grandson, James Shaver; a sister, Kathryn Wanek of Green Valley, AZ; a brother, David Daughters (Deborah) of Rapid City, SD; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, Kansas.
Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday morning Nov. 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Winner, South Dakota. Inurnment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery.
A vigil service will be Monday evening Nov. 8, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Society-Valley Vista; Immaculate Conception Church; Tripp County Historical Society or the Winner V.F.W. Auxiliary #4674 and can be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Road, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547