Norma Jean Ives

On May 25, 1928 a baby girl was born to Zona Jensen Hartford and Robert Hartford. Robert picked out the name Norma Jean. Norma was welcomed at home by her almost 2 year old brother Duane who had lost his identical twin brother Derald at 18 months old. Norma was born at her Grandma Jensen's house in Fremont, Nebraska. When Norma was only 7, she lost her mother Zona to scarlet fever. Three years later Robert married Dorothy Nieman who became a step-mother to Norma and Duane.

When in Benson High School, Norma was involved in Latin Club, vocal chorus, Girl Reserves, (Service Projects) Girls Athletics, Cotton Tails (Pom Pom Girls) and Rainbow Girls (associated with Masons). Norma was age 16 all during her senior year and graduated at age 17 on her birthday in May. She worked at the bank part time during high school and for a full year later to save up for college.

Norma attended Manhattan Bible College where she met Ashley J. Ives who married her January 15, 1947. To this union were born Robert Ashley Ives on May 15, 1949, Nancy Adele Ives on August 17, 1950, Linda Ives on February 2, 1952, and Susan Aline Ives on March 19, 1959. Norma worked as a secretary in various locations, including the state hospital in the civil service business administration division.

Norma had married at 19 years old and had become a pastor's wife in small rural towns. She learned to make note of it when it rained, because that was often the topic of discussion. Norma often told the story of being invited to lunch and the hostess who was making biscuits had a big bottle on the table because a calf was being bottle fed. Norma's husband died of cancer March 8, 2002 and her youngest child, Susan, died June 28, 2017.

Norma often sang duets and solos for weddings and funerals, and taught children's and adult Sunday school during her years of being a minister's wife. She used Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" among other materials.

During her retirement years, Norma enjoyed exercise classes, painting and led devotions. She felt that raising her children was her greatest calling.