On February 4th, 2015, an amazing woman left our world and continued on her journey. She passed from this life with the same grace and beauty with which she lived, embracing her faith, surrounded by those that she loved.

Norma was born in Highwood, Montana, along with her identical twin sister Dean, to Frank and Lora (Pyatt) Farmer, on May 3rd, 1927, the youngest of 10 children. The family soon moved to Belt where Norma completed her schooling, graduating from Belt Valley High School in 1945.

After graduating, Norma worked in Great Falls and for a short time in Missoula, until she met and started her journey of 61 years with her husband and life partner, Otto "Gene" Johnson. Norma and Gene were married on October 6th, 1953, in Couer d' Alene, Idaho, and began their life together. They embraced the wholesome life of the American farmer, raising grain, cattle and their children on a beautiful ranch near Sand Coulee.

Norma was a strong woman, having survived breast cancer twice. Never was her strength more evident than in her later years as she cared for Dad in his struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was able to maintain her sense of humor through it all.

Norma found joy in the simple things in life. She was as comfortable serving a large harvest meal in the field as she was shopping for her classy wardrobe. She enjoyed gatherings with her siblings and friends, traveling, bowling, a simple joke, and dancing. She made dancing with a left-handed partner seem graceful and easy. She was a lifetime member of the Cowgirls Association, active in the women's Scottish Rite and was proud of her years as an election judge.

Norma's family was the source of her greatest joy, and for Norma, family was anyone who walked through her door or crossed her path. The light in Norma's eyes shined brightest when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in the room. Her smile and warm heart will be the blessings we carry forward on our journeys.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents and 8 siblings, Opal Bardwell, Mary Wick, Pauline Atkinson, Howard Keller, Helen Keller, Jewel Proszek, Vivian Halley, and Jack Farmer.

Norma is survived by her husband, Gene; son, Scott (Maribeth) Johnson of Missoula, daughters, Tami (Cliff) Gaines, and Kimberly (Phil) LaRocque, both of Sand Coulee, and a son, Gary (Susan) Ritter of Great Falls.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan, Corbin and Kealey Johnson, Roni (Nate Culver) Gaines, Troy Johnson, Quinta (Jeremy) Jacintho, Nicole (Tom Huston) LaRocque, Ashley Barrett, Brooke (Jesse) Harris, and Tabatha Barrett, Jeff Ritter and Dani (Drew) Savage, and 18 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her identical twin sister Dean (Clarence) Young of Great Falls, sisters-in-law Lorraine Farmer and Amy Johnson, her long time family friend and caregiver Karma Ruether, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in Norma's name, to Peace Hospice of Montana, 2600 15th Ave, S., Great Falls, MT 59405. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for the love and care that mom received from the wonderful staff and volunteers at Peace Hospice.

Visitation will be held at Croxford Funeral Home, Monday February 9th, from 6pm - 8pm. A celebration of Norma's life will be held Tuesday, February 10th at 1 pm at the Central Christian Church in Great Falls, followed by a graveside service at Highland cemetery and a reception at the church.

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