Norma E. Bruns, 106, of McPherson, KS, and formerly of Abilene, KS, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Pine Village, Moundridge.
Norma was born on a farm east of Milford, KS on August 26, 1918, the second of six children born to Charles Ernest Martin and Johannah Augusta (Steinbruck) Martin. She grew up in the Longford area, graduating valedictorian of the Longford High School class of 1936. She started her teaching career that fall under a Normal Training Certificate, just two weeks after her 18th birthday. She later got her Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and continued teaching until 1980.
She taught at several one-room schools in the Milford and Longford areas, as well as in public schools in Junction City, Chapman and Abilene. She taught a great number of students over the years and most always had a positive attitude and great hopes for each one. At age 99, Norma was putting names on pictures of her students from 1943.
She also taught me that a cinnamon roll will catch fire in a microwave if you cook it long enough (9+ minutes, but who is counting?). These things you learn from life’s experiences.
She loved music and played piano and after her prized piano at home became unrepairable, she had the shell made into 2 blanket chests. Her passions were family and friends, music, birds, books and her devotion to God.
She married Kenneth Ivan Bruns on January 24, 1950 and had one child, Kendall Dean Bruns. They were later divorced.
She outlived her parents, five siblings, a niece (Sherry Puckett) and four nephews (Tom Diehl, Lowell Brown, Dana Brown and Stephen Brown).
She is survived by her son Dean and his wife Julie of McPherson, KS; grandchildren Jayme (Roy) Hamilton of Phoenix AZ, Michael (Amanda) Bruns of McPherson, KS, and Carolyn (Lee) Collins of Stem, NC; great-grandchildren Braedon Hamilton, Aliya Bruns, Evan Bruns, and Annalise Collins (another is expected in June).
Other survivors include nieces Denise (Mike) Poorman of Lynnwood, WA and Pam (Carl) Rowson of Savage, MN; nephews Terry (Diana) Owens of Los Fresnos, TX and Martin (Kay) Brown of Omaha, NE.
She cherished a great many friendships over the years.
Norma was fiercely independent, resourceful and at times, more than a little bit stubborn. With help from her family and other caregivers, Norma was able to stay in her own home until the final three months of her life.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at McPherson church of Christ. Memorials are suggested to either Hospice and Homecare of Reno County or The Morrison House in Salina, KS in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.