Norma J. Ware

PINE RIVER - Norma Jean Ware, 68, of Pine River, passed away July 2, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Ariz.

She was born Sept. 14, 1938, in LaMoure, N.D., to Howard and Elenore Johnson. Norma was a graduate of Pine River High School. On June 29, 1957, she married James B. Ware. Norma began working as a secretary for Amoco Oil. In 1976 she was promoted to a management position with Amoco Oil and the family moved to Dubuque, Iowa. In the mid 1980s she had a chance to move up the corporate ladder with Amoco and took a job in Overland Park, Kan. Again a promotion came and this time she transferred to Moorhead, Minn. Norma retired from Amoco Oil at age 62 after a 34-year career. She enjoyed golfing, crocheting, walking, reading, cooking, gardening, square dancing, playing cards and dominos and loved learning about computers. She was president and treasurer of Pine River Ladies Golf Club and a board member of the Pine River Golf Association. Norma was devoted to her Catholic faith and enjoyed donating her time to many church activities.

Norma is survived by her husband, James B. Ware; sons, Mitch Ware (Julie) of Oakdale, Minn., Tim Ware (Tami) of Dubuque, Iowa, Brad Ware (Cheri) of Hines, Minn.; daughter, Pam Ware of Irving, Texas; mother, Elenore Johnson of Pine River, Minn.; brothers, Don Johnson (Carol) of Phoenix, James Johnson (Jane) of Pelican Rapids, Minn.; sister, Darla Raph of Tucson, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Howard Johnson; brothers, Robert and David; and sister Beverly.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2007, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pine River with Father Bruce Engen officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine River. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. with prayer services at 7:30 p.m. at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to services at the church.

Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.