Norma Jean Backer

Norma Jean Backer

Norma Jean Backer was born on June 11, 1931, to Walter E. Snyder and Blanche Snyder on their farm, north of Bayard, NE, one of six children. She attended Bayard Public Schools.

On a visit to Scottsbluff, she encountered a young man who was smitten with her on the spot and would not take no for an answer until she agreed to a date. She was married to Ace T. Backer on August 11, 1948 by the Reverend Henry Baumgartel in Scottsbluff.

Norma and Ace had two children, a son named Ace and a daughter, Kimberly Ann. Ace was a talented athlete and attended Scotts Bluff College, playing football on the team with Night train Lane. He went on to join the Scottsbluff Fire Department and had a career as Assistant Fire Chief there until his retirement in 1970.

Norma had always had a hankering to move to Florida, so that was their next stop. They returned to Scottsbluff in late 1971. Ace was appointed as Nebraska State Fire Marshall and that required a move to Lincoln, where they lived for another two years. Ace then accepted an appointment as Fire Chief in North Platte, Nebraska which required another move.

Norma always loved decorating and remodeling houses, so this gave her great opportunities to further her talents. While married, Ace and Norma had owned and remodeled approximately six houses in Scottsbluff, one in Lincoln and two in North Platte, which she tackled with her talents.

They then moved to Loveland, CO, to own and lease two apartment complexes, before moving back to a farm, North of Scottsbluff. Norma was always a "beautiful" person, both internally and outwardly. Norma was always very artistic and had great taste in color matching/coordinating and about this time, she turned her talent to painting. There were few subjects she didn't portray and we are all blessed with some of the work she completed that is hanging in our homes.

Norma was always heavily involved with her Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent and teaching children. No matter where they lived, her faith and church were the most important things in her life. After the passing of her husband, she continued to reside in Scottsbluff.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Esther Chapman of Bayard, Bonnie Lombard of Tennessee, and Evelyn McFall of California; brothers, Leland Snyder of Oregon and Pete Snyder of Bayard; and a granddaughter, Sara Jean Cox.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ace and Susan Backer; grandson, Ace Backer and wife Lisa of Chesapeake, VA; granddaughter, Holly Low of Scottsbluff and; three step granddaughters; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Robert Cox; and grandson, Hubert Cox of Cheyenne. She has five great-grandchildren, eight step great-grandchildren and one newly born great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews on the Backer Lineage and the Snyder Lineage.

Norma was fortunate to have been able to live out her last days in her home. Her granddaughter Holly has lived with her and provided 24 hour care for her. She was fortunate that both her son and her daughter-in-law are both retired, registered nurses and were able to keep her as comfortable as possible. The family wishes to thank Holly, Susan and Ace for their dedication and love for her.

Norma and Ace both requested cremation with their ashes being mixed and placed in the columbarium at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. The family will be holding a service for the inurnment of Ace and Norma at the Columbarium in Fairview Cemetery, Scottsbluff at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and all their extended family and friends are invited to attend. A dinner will be held at WestWay Christian Church following the service.

Bridgman Funeral Home

and Cremation Service

2104 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE 69361

308-632-2121