Norma Jean (Schroeder) Keech of Valentine, NE stepped into Jesus' arms on May 19, 2018 after a three month illness at the age of 88.  She was born in Colome, SD on March 31, 1930.  When the family later moved to the Valentine area, the three Schroeder children went to the one room Kewanee School.  They occasionally rode horses to school or rode the pony cart when weather permitted..  She attended Valentine High, living in town her freshman year with the Harms family, whom she loved. When her family moved from the country to town, they bought a café on Main Street where Norma Jean worked after school.  Her Dad enlisted her as waitress but the shy teen would have preferred washing dishes!

Graduating in 1947, she worked as bookkeeper for Brown and Little company (employer Roger Little).  She later worked in Lincoln, NE as a secretary in a University of Nebraska campus office. Norma Jean and Gerald were married January 29, 1950 in the Valentine Methodist Church.  Her membership there continued for over 70 years. She enjoyed music and being a part of the choir.

Whatever Gerald did, Norma Jean was at his side. Everything they did was a joint venture.  The Trade Center, The Gallery, The Consignment Store were family operations where Norma Jean excelled at customer relations and bookkeeping. Another venture, the "Dorm" on Government Street, housed 16 students who drove in from the country for high school.  It was hard work, but she loved serving others.

Norma Jean always considered herself a simple country girl who thrived on friendships, fresh air and sunshine.   She was pleased to have folks gather in her home to visit and reconnect. She also loved getting outdoors for a brisk walk which she did often. Her favorite evening destination for the past 20 years was the porch where she and Gerald spent quiet hours at sunset.

Her children and grandchildren, (and one great-grandchild!) remained a source of joy to her ...hearing from and about them, and being with them. And they loved being together in Valentine and spending summer weeks at Grandma's house.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Martina Schroeder, her brother Bob Schroeder, husband Gerald Keech (7-4-15), and son Brian Keech (3-9-95).

She is survived by her sister Darlene Schaefer, (Lynn) of Valentine, sister-in-law Ann Keech of Valentine, sister-in-law Betty (Keech) Schroeder of North Platte, and brother-in-law Bus Keech (Florence) of Utah, as well as three cousins, several nieces and nephews.

Daughter Pam Bryan (husband Dana) from Charlotte, NC.  Son Kevin Keech (wife Linda) from  Redfield, Iowa.  Daughter-in-law Jennifer Edwards (husband Jeff) from Annapolis, MD. Her seven grandchildren are Nathanael Bryan, John Bryan (wife Shannon), Ashley Bryan, Josh Keech and Andy Keech, Emma Prieskorn (husband Cabe) and Brandon Keech (wife Paige). And one great grandson, Cal Prieskorn.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held June 9, 2018 between the hours of  1-3 pm at the Valentine Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.  The family will hold a private graveside service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sandhills Area Foundation at Sandhills State Bank, 132 No Main, Valentine, NE 69201. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is in charge of arrangements.