HUNTER – Norma Jean (Cooper) Gier passed away on July 29, 2026, at the age of 90 years. She was born July 27, 1936, in the family home on the historic Gilt Edge Ranch in Russell County, Kansas, to Ethel (Bushell) and Cecil F. Cooper.
Norma Jean attended school in Lucas, Kansas. She graduated from Lucas High School on May 14, 1954.
Norma Jean married Delmer Gier on February 12, 1956. The young couple lived on a farmstead owned by J.Q. Field until a tornado took their home on October 29, 1956. The young family soon relocated to a farm south of Hunter, KS. There they raised their five children, Lloyd, Phyllis, Joni, Dell, and June.
Norma Jean was baptized December 20, 1964, along with her children Lloyd, Phyllis, and infant daughter, Joni, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hunter, KS. She was confirmed there September 5, 1965.
Norma Jean served her church and community well. She was a Sunday school teacher, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) officer and member, and helped with Vacation Bible School (VBS) for many years. Norma Jean was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, for which she served as President and Treasurer. Norma Jean volunteered for the Hunter Public Library and worked at Hunter Meat Market until the time of the store’s closing.
Norma Jean worked in every role on the farm, in the fields, and with the livestock, including her milk cows and beloved chickens. She was skilled in sewing, cooking, baking, gardening, and all the responsibilities of a farmer’s wife. The greatest of Norma Jean’s roles were those of wife, mother, and grandmother.
After more than 80 years of hard work and multiple injuries over time, Norma Jean resided at Lincoln Park Manor in Lincoln, KS. She was loved by the staff and other residents alike, which was evident in the care and companionship she experienced.
Left to mourn Norma Jean’s passing are son Lloyd Gier of Sylvan Grove, KS; daughter Joni (Bill) Bunker of St. John, KS; son Dell (Cheryl) Gier of Sylvan Grove, KS; daughter June (Chad) Henkelman of Valley Center, KS; son-in law, Rick Vaupel of Lucas, KS; her grandchildren Jessie (Kalen) Deines of Ellsworth, KS; Christie (Royce) Schmidt of Robinson, TX; Michael (Cammie) Vaupel of St. John, KS; Matthew (Erin) Vaupel of Ellinwood, KS; Kyle (Ava) Bunker of St. John, KS; Tara (Landon) Harmon of Hoisington, KS; Tyler Gier of Sylvan Grove, KS; Corey (Caleb) Hirsch of Ellinwood, KS; Chandler (Kylie) Henkelman of Halstead, KS; Kirsten Kedrowski of Wichita, KS; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Norma Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Delmer Gier; daughter Phyllis Vaupel; granddaughter Julie Gier; parents Cecil and Ethel Cooper; sister Mary Jane Hickman; and brothers M. Francis “Sonny” Cooper, Donald “Dean” Cooper, and Wiley Cooper.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 1:00-7:00 p.m. at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, Kansas. The family will be in attendance from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hunter, Kansas. Burial will follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery, Hunter, Kansas.
In honor of Norma Jean’s life, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in care of Hall Chapel, P.O. Box 37, Lincoln, KS, 67455. Condolences can be left at hallchapel.com
