Hometown: Central City, Iowa July 21, 1920 - December 20, 2014

Velma Helen (Luke) Norris - wife to George Everett "Buster" Norris, and mother to daughter Kathleen "Kathy" Norris Allen (Scott Christopher Allen), and son Randall "Randy" Allen Norris (Terri Thurnau Norris) – peacefully passed away December 20, 2014.

Formerly of Central City for 42 years, Velma Helen Luke was born July 21, 1920 in Sharon Township, Clinton County Iowa to James Luke and Dora (Pavlista) Luke, and lived most recently in the Kansas City area near her son, then in Des Moines near her daughter.

Velma attended country school, and graduated from Lost Nation Iowa High School and attended Fashion Design School in Washington DC. Using self-taught life-skills, she grew bravely independent.

At age 24, she volunteered and served in the US Navy for over 9 years, as a WAVE in Naval Communications working with teletype machines. Serving in both World War II and the Korean War she was awarded; the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. At Philadelphia's Naval Communications Base, Velma received a citation for her quick action upon learning of President Roosevelt's death. She was honorably discharged and was a charter member of the Women In Military Service American Memorial Foundation.

Upon leaving the Navy, Velma worked at Johnson & Prince and Remington Rand; both in Philadelphia PA and then worked at American Express and the Potash Company of America; both in Washington DC.

Velma married George July 16, 1959 in San Diego CA where they lived until they moved to Oxford Junction Iowa in 1963. In 1965 they moved to Central City Iowa. Velma was a supportive wife for George while he worked a full time job, home-business, and many hours volunteering.

She devoted herself to raising their children, supervising their education, and encouraged their every choice of activities. She led a Blue Birds and Campfire Girls group, was a member of the United Methodist Church, and an Eastern Star. For three years she raised funds for the Kiwanis by selling advertising for their Chuck Wagon Races in Central City.

Velma joined the American Legion, starting in Washington DC where she earned her first of several Outstanding Service Awards and was inducted into the American Legion Jeepettes. Continuing her devotion to the American Legion in Central City, she served for 7 years as the Service Officer. Velma proposed and led the successful Central City American Legion Memorial Brick Fundraiser to build the new Howe Legion Hall.

Along with her cousin Judy Nelson, Velma passionately researched her family's Czech genealogy.

Velma is survived by her daughter Kathleen. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Raymond J. Luke (Maquoketa Iowa), husband George, and son Randall. She will be missed.

Oxford Junction Iowa Mayflower Cemetery

Graveside Service December 27, 2014 11am