Norma Jean Harders

Norma Jean Harders, 90, of Boelus died Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Tiffany Square in Grand Island. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church at Nysted with Pastor Bob officiating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Wednesday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Norma Jean was born on May 18, 1935, in Prosser, NE, to Delbert and Anna (Shafer) Mahurin. She grew up in the Wood River area and graduated from Wood River High School in 1953.

On June 8, 1953, Norma Jean was united in marriage to Rodney Harders in Wood River. The couple made their home near Wood River where he farmed. Norma Jean taught at a rural school for a few years, waitressed at the Cow Palace and Jake’s Bakeshop, sold Avon, and raised dogs for 40 years.

She was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church at Nysted, Ruth Circle and a Bible study, Pet Paws, Boelus American Legion Auxiliary Post 201, and the Sheriff Posse. She enjoyed yardwork, jigsaw puzzles, weaving rugs, and quilting. She loved traveling, especially to visit family, but also to destinations such as Washington DC and Branson.

Survivors of the family include children: Kathy (Terry) Kennedy of Wills Point, TX, Randy Harders of Wood River, Cindy (Robert) Jones of Muskogee, OK, Jerry (Kathy) Harders of Wood River, Vaughn (Denise) Harders of Prosser, Darrel (Pam) Harders of Wood River, Pat (Rich) Svitak of Wood River; 29 grandchildren; 68 great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren; siblings: Phyllis Carter of Omaha, Stanley (Narcissa) Mahurin of New Carlisle, OH, Linda Duester of Boelus, Jim (Carla) of Mesa, AZ; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rodney in 2011; grandchildren: Brian Bilslend, Karry Lee Harders, Jessica Powell; great grandson, Liam Nelsen; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Harders; brothers-in-law: Stan Duester, Wiley “Tim” Carter, Richard “Dick” Harders; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Rathman.