Norma Lorraine Truitt Howell

Howell, Norma Lorraine

Left this Earth on Saturday 19 December 2015 to live forever with her heavenly father, Jesus Christ. Norma was born on Saturday June 14, 1924, "Flag Day", in Shreveport Louisiana.   Norma was the only child of Annie Grace Modlin Truitt and Elijah Clarence Truitt. Norma grew up in Shreveport. She graduated from Fair Park High School in 1941.   Although she loved clowns and always wanted to be one, after graduation she decided to be a registered nurse. She attended Tri-State Nursing School in Shreveport Louisiana. Her love of clowns continued with her fun loving pranks and her wonderful sense of humor throughout her lifetime. Norma R.N. training was completed at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. Norma's best friend and roommate was Virginal Cassidy.   Virginia became the mother of our 42nd President Bill Clinton. Many years later Norma told Virginia "if I knew you were carrying our future president, I would have been a better roommate and given you the whole bed."Norma graduated from Tristate Nursing School in 1944. Norma married Joseph Ralph Howell on July 20, 1945. Norma and Ralph dated while in high school. They married after Ralph's return from Europe where he was stationed during World War II. After their marriage they moved to El Paso, Texas in 1946.   Where Ralph was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. Norma worked at Southwestern General Hospital. They then were transferred to Sumter South Carolina. The next transfer was to Denver, Colorado where Norma gave birth to a daughter, Linda Jo Howell on October 1, 1948.   While in Denver, Norma worked at Presbyterian Hospital. In 1953 Norma and Ralph were transferred to Cheyenne Wyoming where Norma worked as a nurse for Union Pacific Railroad. During their assignment to Cheyenne Norma and Ralph enjoyed fishing and hunting in their spare time. On July 17, 1953 Norma gave birth to another daughter, Deborah Ann Howell. The next assignment found the Howells in Anchorage Alaska. Norma decided not to work while living in beautiful Alaska, Our 49th State. During this time Norma was very active in the Officers Wife's Club, Canasta Card Club and Garding Club. Her yard even won the title of the" most beautiful yard" at Elmendorf AFB. Norma and Ralph continued their love of the great outdoors with many fishing and hunting excursions while in Alaska. The last transfer in 1960 found the family at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, Nebraska. Norma started her job as the industrial nurse at Sperry Vickers on March 2, 1964. Norma was the only nurse for over 1,200 employees. Norma treated everything from colds and heart attacks to amputations.   Norma retired on February 2, 1986 with almost 22 years of service at Sperry Vickers. Norma was a 7 year breast cancer survivor and a 14 month lung cancer survivor. Norma was a member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church. After retirement Norma enjoyed working in her beautiful yard and spending time with her beloved poodle Gidget. Norma was blessed being able to watch her three granddaughters grow up and be involved with their many activities through the years.   Norma was able to witness each of their marriages and experience the joy of being a great grandmother to four wonderful great grandsons and one great granddaughter. Norma's love of nature, gardening, hunting, fishing and most of all her "fabulous" sense of humor will live-on in each member of her family forever. Norma was preceded in death by her parents Annie Grace Truitt , Elijah Clarence Truitt , loving husband Joseph Ralph Howell Jr. , Her best friend Maxine Larson and Her son-in-law Douglas Massey .

Norma is survived by her daughters Linda Jo Howell Massey and Deborah Ann Howell Douglas, both of Omaha, Ne.Son-in-law Keith L. Douglas. Granddaughter Teresa L. Massey Kneifl and husband Lonnie Kneifl of Sioux City, Ia. Granddaughter Buffi L. Massey Union of Omaha. Granddaughter Kristine P. Douglas Mahaney of Kansas City, Mo. Great grandsons Nathan Kneifl, Wesley Union, Justin Union and Evan Kneifl. Great granddaughter Kylie Jo Mahaney.

Visitation with family, Tuesday December 22nd 4 - 7 p.m. at Roeder Funeral Home 2727 North 108th St. Omaha, Ne.with Viewing Tuesday after 1:00 p.m.

Funeral service of music and memories to honor Norma's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday December 23rd at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 6099 Western Ave.


Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery

Memorials can be made in Norma's name to Henry Doorly Zoo

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - 108th Street Chapel

2727 N 108th St - 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com