Norma Jane Wells Wagner, age 90, of Sterling, CO, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the house she and her devoted husband David Lee Wagner ("Junior") had joyously lived in for 69 years. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 12, at Faith United Methodist Church (now Faith Cornerstone), followed by a graveside burial at Riverside Cemetery.  Afterward, a luncheon will be held at the church.

Norma was born on March 16, 1935, in Wray, CO to Leslie Dale Wells and Lenna Floris Muller Wells. Norma talked fondly of her years growing up in Wray, including the time she crashed through the ice on a frozen lake trying to rescue a dog.  Norma's dad died when she was 10 years old; six years later, her mother married James Ashby and the family moved to Sterling where Norma attended high school and met the love of her life, Junior. Norma graduated from Sterling High School in 1953 and then moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University.  But she didn't stay long – after one year, she moved back to Sterling to attend Northeastern Junior College and to be close to Junior.

Norma married Junior in 1956 and over the next eight years, they had four children: Rick, Patty, Suzy, and Jana. Norma worked tirelessly to ensure her kids were happy, successful, surrounded by love, and guided by God's faith.  She was their greatest cheerleader, and her wisdom was endless.  Though she is no longer with us, her love and lessons will remain in the hearts of her children forever. But dang, they are going to miss her.

For many years, Norma worked as a bookkeeper at Production Credit Association.  She retired in 1997, and over the next almost 30 years, she lived her best life!  Norma enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, sewing, cooking, working puzzles, playing cards – and she excelled at all these activities!  Clair de Lune was her favorite piano piece, and she played an amazing rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Norma also enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with the grandkids and extended family.  But the best part of Norma's best life was her husband, Junior.  For nearly seven decades, she and Junior shared a love that inspired everyone who knew them.  Together, they built a home filled with much warmth, lots of laughter, and countless cherished memories.  Their bond was a testament to what love is, and their love story provided a shining example for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Norma was a woman of deep faith and found great joy in serving Jesus at Faith United Methodist Church.  Her unwavering faith carried her through life's challenges with extraordinary grace and strength.  One of Norma's biggest challenges was her 25-year battle with Parkinson's. Although this awful disease took its toll, Norma faced each day with unwavering determination and a resilient spirit, never complaining, always saying how thankful she was for her blessed life.  Through it all, Norma continued to be a positive force to those around her – offering kindness and encouragement to all who crossed her path.  Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing her battle is over and she is now at peace.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Lenna, her stepdad James, and her brothers Gene Wells and Armor Wells.

She is survived by her husband, Junior; her son Rick Wagner (Nancy); her three daughters Patty Ogley, Susan Wagner, and Jana Lock (Rick); nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren; her brothers Dale "Bud" Wells (Janice) and Kent Wells; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Plains, 302 N. 9th Ave., Sterling, CO 80751.