Norma Hoops

Norma Louise Hoops, the daughter of Henry and Annetta (Bartels) Graue, was born on Aug. 28, 1928, on the family farm in Republic County, Kan. She was one of the six children born to her parents. She died March 29, 2021, at Providence Place in Hastings, Neb., at the age of 92 years. She was baptized on Sept. 16, 1928, at St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, by The Rev. C.A. Reimnitz. She was confirmed at the same church on April 6, 1941, by The Rev. O. W. Juengel. She attended District 57 school in rural Republic County, and then Chester Public School where she graduated high school.

On Aug. 7, 1949, she was united in marriage to Vernon Hoops, at St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, with The Rev. E. Hilst officiating. This union was blessed with four children, Patricia, Steven, Michael and Joni. The family lived on a farm in Republic County for the first 11 years. They then moved to the family farm in rural Byron, Neb., where they continued farming until retirement in 1997.

Norma taught three years in rural schools and was the secretary-bookkeeper for Byron Public School and Chester-Hubbell-Byron Schools for 20 years. She belonged to several church organizations and was a member of the Byron Busy Bees Extension Club. Norma was an accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed quilting, square dancing, traveling and attending the grandchildren's games and activities. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the highlight of her life.

In December 2018, Norma moved to Providence Place Memory Care Assisted Living in Hastings, where she resided until her death. She enjoyed visits from family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon; son, Steven; brother, Harlan Graue; sisters, Arlene (Wilber) Hoops, Lucille Gerberding (husbands, Clarence Meyer and Harold), Donna Harms and Mary Black; brothers and sisters-in-law, Martin (Margery) Hoops, Jackie Hoops, Esther (Henry) Loontjer, Lola (Martin) Kirchhoff, and Dr. Merlin (Elizabeth) Hoops.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Hoops of Independence, Mo., Michael (Yvonne) Hoops of Byron, and Joni (Steven) Woodside of Columbus, Neb.; daughter-in-law, Karen Hoops of Omaha; grandchildren, Brent (Sarah) Hoops, Jill (Zac) Seidel, Joshua (Melissa) Hoops, Sarah (Tony) Jackson, Kate (Gilbert) Bolivar, Lt. Col. Darren (Jennifer) Woodside, Chelsey (Brandon) Jacobitz, Capt. Dustin (Capt. Sarah) Woodside and Christina Woodside; 19 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, Bruce Black; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Her funeral was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 3, at St. Peters Lutheran Church, near Byron with Pastors Connie Raess and Irvin Schleufer officiating. Organist was Teresa Christensen. Congregational hymns were, "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art" and "Softly and Tenderly." Pallbearers were Brent Hoops, Joshua Hoops, Lt. Col. Darren Woodside, Capt. Dustin Woodside, Tony Jackson, Brandon Jacobitz, Gilbert Bolivar and Zac Seidel. Honorary bearers were Sarah Jackson, Jill Seidel, Chelsey Jacobitz, Kate Bolivar, Christina Woodside, Sarah Hoops, Jennifer Woodside, Melissa Hoops and Capt. Sarah Woodside. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Ahrendts Funeral Home, Deshler, assisted the family with the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family's choice. Condolences may be left at PriceUrbauerAhrendts. com.