On April 29th, 1930, in the quiet town of Alliance, Nebraska, Elmer Abner and Cassie (Harp) Johnston welcomed their baby girl, Norma Jean Johnston into the world at their home, weighing 10 ¾ pounds, they were expecting twins as Cassie was a twin. Norma was the fourth child, after her older siblings Robert, Lloyd, and Lola. Later on, her baby brother Leroy was born. Her early years were a testament to her spirit of adventure as she traveled extensively with her family due to Elmer’s railroad career and later her husband’s construction work. Norma lived in Edgemont, SD, when WWII started and she remembered lots of crying when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. They moved back to Alliance as they had a paratrooper base there.
Norma was 13 years old and working at Hested’s soda shop. Howard Lore Jr. was a railroad switchman and came to see the girl his family was talking about. She fell for him right then and there. Not long after they met, her family moved to Deadwood. Howard was drafted and they kept in touch while he was gone. He was stationed in Hawaii when the war ended and made several trips to Deadwood. They were married June 14, 1947 in Alliance, NE.
They welcomed their first child into the world in March 1948 (Norma was almost 18,). A daughter Norma named Sandra Kay. Howard asserted she should be named Katherine but in Norma Jean’s words “that’s a stupid name”. He didn’t like the name, so he nicknamed her Snooks, which follows her to this day.
Seventeen months later they welcomed Kenneth Howard and two years and a day later Robert Allen arrived. All three children were born in Deadwood. In 1954 they welcomed another daughter Connie Jean born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and in 1957 welcomed Linda Lou, born in Casper, WY. The family of seven enjoyed many adventures and various job sites throughout the country before making Sturgis, SD, their home.
Howard and Norma cherished their time with their friends, sharing laughter and memories: bowling and national bowling tournaments, hunting and fishing, playing cards and poker. Their social circle was filled with love and cheer, making many memories and lifelong friends.
Norma’s zest for life was contagious and her fearlessness inspired all who knew her. That said, who could forget the time she got lost on a hunting trip. After an hour of searching for her, she was found enjoying lunch in the pickup, unfazed and smiling, she wasn’t lost – she knew where she was.
Norma had various jobs throughout her life, some she worked while raising her children. The career she most enjoyed was working at the VA Medical Center in the dietetics department, again making new friends and memories. She retired after 20 years to travel with her husband Howard.
As they entered into retirement, Norma and Howard sought new horizons, spending winters in Arizona with friends – swap meets, warm fire pit conversation and embracing fresh experiences. Howard did the driving, with Norma’s assistance as backseat driver and hand tapping on the dash.
After the death of her husband Howard in 1999, her wanderlust spirit continued to soar and she became quite the traveler, with her children and grandchildren. She loved going on vacation, to weddings, bowling conventions, and work conferences. When asked if she wanted to go, she never said no. She went on thrilling cruises to Hawaii where she fearlessly four-wheeled the Hawaiian landscapes, snorkeled the Pacific, and even cannonballed off the Hawaiian cliffs. She enjoyed an east coast cruise into Canada, trips to Alaska and the North Pole, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Disney World as well as explorations of iconic cities like Chicago and New York. She loved seeing the majestic Statue of Liberty, Washington DC and all the monuments, Chattanooga, TN to see the Railroad Museum and St. Louis Missouri where she went to the top of the Gateway Arch. She loved baseball and went to Atlanta to see the Braves play and Denver to watch the Rockies. She enjoyed every new sight and sound, saying “I never thought I would get to see this in person.” Being from Sturgis, Norma lived through many motorcycle rallies. Her sense of adventure remained unwavering and she became a true rally participant when she rode on the back of a large Harley motorcycle to Deadwood with one of the many friends she made during the Rally, looking like a Harley Mama.
One of her favorite local places was Deadwood. She was delighted with the special trips with her granddaughters when they’d sneak off and find just the right slot machine, as she swore it would be the jackpot “this time”. She usually going home with less than she went with, but knew she’d hit it the next time.
Norma did love to travel and explore, but what truly gave her the pleasure of traveling was traveling with someone she loved.
Norma’s passions included gardening, her lawn and beautiful roses, many craft projects like ceramics and pinecone wreaths and crosses which brought her immense delight. She loved giving them to her family. She loved collecting angels which reflected her devotion to her lord. She added to her bell collection by buying one on her various travels and received some from family members who traveled to different locations.
Above all, Norma’s heart belonged to her family. The arrival of each new baby filled her with wonder and joy, reminding her of life’s precious innocence. She adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren. Nothing brightened her day more than when the generations of grandkids would visit and fill her home with laughter and life. Everyone could agree on two things: Noah’s Ark was the best toy at grandma’s house and her popcorn balls were the best Halloween treat you could get.
Norma’s life contained moments of both joy and tragedy, her faith in the Lord God Jesus and the Holy Spirit carried her through the deaths of her parents, husband, daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and great-grandson. She faced each loss with courage and dignity. Her last journey was further complicated by a brave battle with dementia, yet she remained a shining example of strength and compassion. Through it all, Norma’s heart remained full of love, and her spirit continued to inspire those around her until her final breath and she could go home.
As the final chapter of Norma’s life came to an end, she found herself surrounded by generations of love. Her children, their children, their children, and even their children came to say their last goodbyes to the family matriarch. It was in those last moments Norma knew one thing: she was loved.
Norma Jean was welcomed home with a warm and loving embrace by her parents, Elmer and Cassie; siblings, Lola, Lloyd, Robert, Leroy; beloved husband, Howard; daughter, Linda Lou; son-in-law, Bill Molitor; grandson, James Molitor; and great-grandson, Christopher Mullen and many lifelong friends and extend family.
Norma’s legacy is a tapestry of love, laughter, and adventure, woven with the threads of her generous spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to those she cherished. Though she may be gone, Norma leaves behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and generosity that will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her children, who were the center of her universe, are Sandy (Snooks) Molitor, Kenny (Vicky) Lore, Bob (Penny) Lore, and Connie (Ken) Wade. Her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride, are Debbie (Dave) Stewart, Cindy (Duston) Mullen, Toby (Char) Lore, Joey Lore, Tonya Lore, Cassie (Jeff) Cannataro, Robert Lore Jr., Nick (Victoria) Lore, Sam Roeber, Travis (Shae) Rath, and Jessica (Tyler) Rachetto. Norma’s great-grandchildren, who filled her heart with delight, are Darren LaParr, Drew (Jessica) LaParr, Cassie (Steve) Long, Nikki (Dan) Krier, Jordan (Sadie) Mullen, Emily Bouta, Howie Lore, Jackson Lore, Taylynn Lore, Jordan Cannataro, Jeffrey Cannataro, Jodie Lore, Isabella Lore, Fitzgerald Lore, Desmond Lore, McKinley Roeber, Sawyer Roeber, Jaiden Rath, Wyatt Rath, Taylor Rath, Keegan Rachetto, and Nolan Rachetto. And, her great-great grandchildren, the youngest and most precious leaves on her family tree, are Venus LaParr, Tyr LaParr, Xander LaParr, Nevaeh LaParr, Scottie LaParr, Hailey Finn, Emma Long, Parker Krier, Malia Krier, Aurora Mullen, Novalie Mullen, and Rowan Mullen.
Norma Jean Lore, 94, Rapid City, SD, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024 at Rapid City monument Health.
Visitation will be Friday, July 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD, with funeral services to follow at 12:00 noon. Graveside services will be at Rosehill Cemetery, Spearfish, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
