Norma "Jeannie" Jean Harder

Norma Jean (“Jeannie”) Harder, born on April 5, 1940, in Thomas, Oklahoma, the daughter of James Roy and Helen Annabel (Frey) Eyster, died peacefully Monday, March 31, 2025, in Dallas, Texas with family at her side and all other family members and dear friends in spirit.

Norma attended the Jabbok Bible Academy and Corn Bible Academy before graduating from Thomas High School in Thomas, Oklahoma with the class of 1958. She continued her education at the Oklahoma General Hospital, obtaining a registered nurse license. She received her BSN from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and her MSN from the University of Oklahoma.

Norma had a professional career in healthcare that spanned decades. Norma spent her early nursing career working in small rural hospitals in and around Weatherford Oklahoma to Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. After moving to Weatherford, Oklahoma and raising a family, she spent many years working as a public health nurse for the Custer County Health Department. She later taught nursing at the Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. During her teaching career, she took several international educational trips that included traveling to Haiti, Russia, and China.

Earlier in life, Norma sang in a trio. At one time, prior to nursing school, she considered studying music. Her two favorite songs were "Amazing Grace" and "O Holy Night". Norma’s love language was cooking and baking, best known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies. Norma consistently exercised her right to vote to support her unwavering and steadfast belief in women's rights and the fundamental need for government to support all people.

Norma enjoyed traveling and accompanying her family on many vacations, getaways and reunions. Her home was always the hub for family meals, birthday parties, and get togethers. Her grandchildren were an integral and important part of her life. They brought her much joy! At every opportunity, she attended their plays, musicals, graduations, and sporting events. She also enjoyed reading, playing bridge, shopping, watching episode after episode of Blue Bloods and Perry Mason, and visiting on the phone, and in person, with her family and dear friends.

Survivors include two sons: Robert Jack Harder and his wife Kathleen Harder of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and Royce James Harder and his wife Kelley of Dallas, Texas; four daughters, Karen Kay Kint of Bethany, Oklahoma, Rebecca Jean Harder of Carrollton, Texas, Rhonda Joann Thompson and her husband David of Dallas, Texas and Ranell Julie Steiner and her husband Sam of Junction City, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Chelsea Nikole Hill, Nathaniel Robert Harder, Katelyn Princess Thompson, Thomas Troy Harder, Lauren Jeannie Thompson, Kristopher Kint, Kristian Kint, Jill Polniak, Erin Mcallister, and Rhiannon Horne; five great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Magnolia, Killian, Kodi and Will; two brothers, Stanley Eyster and his wife Shari, Dwight Eyster and his wife Leah; three sisters, Janice Fletcher, Judy White and her husband Ray and Cindy Foust; one sister in-law Lois Eyster.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Delbert Eyster and two infant brothers; and one infant son, Jackie Allen Harder, Jr.

Having a friend drop by for a cup of coffee and to visit was a particular joy. Norma liked to send her children off for the day by telling them to "be sweet and pretty."

Norma’s favorite bible verse comes from Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Norma’s faith in God sustained her, and she leaves a legacy of fierce compassion for others, much laughter and wit, and evidence of her boundless strong-will (and impeccable bedside manner).

In accordance with her wishes, Norma will be cremated. A graveside service will take place at a later date in Thomas, Oklahoma. Memorials in her memory are suggested to be given to Planned Parenthood, National Public Radio, or a local animal rescue or library.