Norma Jean (Kramer) Cochran, 97, was born July 11, 1926, in Holyoke, CO, to Anna and Robert Kramer. She was the youngest of 13 children, ten boys, followed by three daughters. Jean departed this life on June 23, 2024, in Akron, CO, just shy of her 98th birthday. She was surrounded by her three loving daughters.
In 1943, Jean graduated from Holyoke High School at the age of 16. On June 2, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, Jean was united in marriage to Pat Rothenberger before he was shipped out to serve in WWII in the Army Air Force. The couple moved to Whittier, CA, when Pat returned from the war. In 1953, they moved to Grant, NE, purchased the Ford dealership, and started a crop spraying business. A son and three daughters were born to this union. Pat preceded Jean in death when he was killed in an airplane accident in 1961.
Jean worked as a teacher, bookkeeper, secretary, insurance agent, and realtor. She was involved in numerous church and community organizations.
In 1968, she had a brief marriage to Floyd Pankonin. Then, in 1980, she married Ron Cochran and lived in Grant until moving to North Platte, Nebraska, in 2013.
Following an accident at home in late 2015, she resided at the Washington County Nursing Home in Akron, CO, until the time of her death. She loved singing and frequently entertained the residents and staff with her songs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 12 siblings, her husbands Pat and Ron, and son Larry.
Jean is survived by her daughters: Wanda Thompson (James) of Akron, CO; Vicki Pankonin (David) of Cottonwood, CA; and Beverly Gottula (Bill) of North Platte, NE. She was also blessed with seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
She will be forever remembered for her courage, strength, selflessness, and humor. Jean gave much love and was greatly loved in return.
Memorials are suggested to the Washington County Nursing Home in Akron or the donor's choice. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Grant United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ceciliah Igweta-Keega officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.