Norma Mae Howard, 67, Sturgis, S.D., passed away Monday, November 20, 2023, at Monument Health Sturgis hospital.
Norma Mae Albert was born December 26, 1955 to Robert (Bob) and Barbara Albert in Cody, Wyoming. In 1971, Norma moved with her family to Casper, WY, where she finished her education, graduating from Natrona County High School.
Norma met her husband Wayne Howard, the love of her life, in Casper, and it was there they were married November 23, 1984. They moved to Sturgis, SD, soon afterward, where Wayne started his own logging business. Norma worked for the Meade County School District for 27 years, retiring in the Spring of 2021.
Norma loved to travel and would go with Wayne logging whenever she could. Together, Norma and Wayne enjoyed many vacations in many states. When Wayne couldn’t go, Norma would travel with family and friends. She loved to visit National Parks, with Grand Teton and Yellowstone being her favorites. She tried to visit them every year!
She loved adventures, a favorite being riding in the side x side with family and friends. She loved to spend ti me going to Wyoming to stay at her sister and brother-in-law’s cabin in the Medicine Bow National Forest. As soon as one adventure was over, Norma was already planning another one for her and Wayne. Her love and laughter will be dearly missed.
Norma was passionate about life. She loved deeply and never missed an opportunity to take the lead in any situation. She didn’t hold back, if she had something to say, she did! Norma was never afraid to speak her mind, share advice, or create a memory. She stood her ground and never backed away from a challenge. We always knew Norma had our backs. She gave with an endless heart and open arms, never expecting anything in return.
Taking care of her family was important to her and no words can ever express how much we will miss her. Norma loved with her whole being and for those of us she left behind there will be a huge void. If love could cure cancer, she would have lived forever.
Norma is survived by her husband, Wayne Howard of Sturgis; sisters, Carol Howard of Casper, WY, Sherri Adams and special friend, Bob Kobes of Sturgis; brother and sisters-in-law, Janis (Dominique) of Greenfield, MA, Teresa (Stan) of Wichita, KS, Doug (Delores) Howard, Lynda (Brad) Steichen of Woonsocket, SD, Brad Howard of Mitchell, SD, Frank (Larae) Howard of Casper, WY; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Barbara Albert; brothers, Dale and Mike Albert; in-laws, Francis and Edith Howard; brothers-in-law, Mike Howard, Pat Howard, Jerome Howard; sister-in-law, Marlene Howard; and nephew, Joshua Adams.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, with a committal service to follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family at kinkadefunerals.com.
