Nora Gums

     Nora Gums passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at SMP Health-Ave Maria in Jamestown at the age of 97.

     Nora was born on November 30, 1925 on a farm near Alfred, North Dakota to Fred and Bertha Lehr.  She attended Alfred grade school and graduated from Gackle High School in 1943.  In 1945 she moved to Jamestown where she worked at Vita Bakery and then at Bridgeman Russell Creamery.  It was here that she met and fell in love with Ervin Gums.  Following their marriage on February 1, 1948 in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Jamestown, they enjoyed over 73 years together.

     Nora also worked at the Farmers Union State office and for twenty-two years was a cook for the Jamestown Public School lunch program.

     She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends and was especially known for her German dishes and her delicious kuchen.

     Nora’s love of music began at an early age and she often said that God gave her the ability to play by ear. Throughout her life she used her gift to bring blessing and encouragement to many.  She was the pianist at Jamestown Evangelical Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and at the Heritage Center Chapel services.  Nora also sang in duets and trios in church and other community events.

     Nora’s pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She had an extensive scrapbook collection of each one’s life and activities. 

     While in high school, Nora trusted in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord.  Her well marked Bible was a testimony to her love for God and His Word.  Her life was an example of prayer, serving and sharing the love of God with others.  She often referred to a favorite Bible verse: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness . . . “ (2 Timothy 4:7,8).

     Nora will be lovingly remembered by her children, Fred (Kamie) Gums, Le Mars, Iowa; Mark (Roxanne) Gums, Las Vegas, NV; Robert (Candace) Gums, Jamestown, ND;  Steve (Rachel) Gums, Fargo, ND and Debbie Stitzer, Wake Forest, NC;  her grandchildren:  David (Kathy) Gums, Marie (Shannon) Arduser; Andy (Nicole) Gums, Lucas (Eulalia) Gums; Robbie (Christi) Stitzer, and Jennifer (Brad) Petrie; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sally Grosz; and many nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her husband Ervin on September 11, 2021, her parents, her brothers:  Ray, Art and Melbert Lehr, her sister Pearl Lehr, her twin sister Dora Austin and her son-in-law, Rob Stitzer.

     Family will be receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Eddy Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Jamestown, ND with Pastor Fred Gums and Pastor Jennifer McDonald officiating.  Interment will be in the spring at Highland Home Cemetery.

     Nora's family is especially grateful to the staff at the Heritage Center and SMP Health-Ave Maria Care Center for all the care and compassion shown to her while she was a resident.

     Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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