Norma Jean Yarger, age 97, of Goodland passed away Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Topside Manor in Goodland. She was born March 17, 1926, to Marie (Ward) and Melvin Gregory in her grandmothers home in Alton, Kansas. She grew up on a farm 9 miles southwest of Alton on the farm homesteaded by her grandfather Jesse Gregory.
She attended Mt. Ayr Country school graduating in 1947. After graduation she attended Asbury Nursing School in Salina. She worked as a nurse in Salina, until she moved to Goodland to work with some of her college friends at the Boothroy Memorial Hospital. On June 8, 1949, she married James Yarger in Butte, Montana. In 1950, they returned to the Goodland area to help with the family farm. Norma Jean worked at USD352 as the School Nurse, Good Samaritan Center as Director of Nursing. She also worked at Golden West Skills Center and Connie's Home Health.
Norma Jean was a member of the United Methodist Church of Goodland. Over the years she was a member of 4-H, some of her projects as a child were sewing, pigs and the steer. She enjoyed nursing and most of all spending time with her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; husband, James; son, Louie; and grandson, Thomas.
Norma Jean was survived by her sons, Michael (Cindie) of Goodland and Larry (Mary) of Excelsior, MN; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and many more family and friends.
Memorials may be designated to Norma Jean Yarger Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735. Information and condolences www.batemanfuneral.com.
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