Norma Jean Kidder

Norma Jean Kidder, affectionately known as Jean, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on December 12, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she lived a life devoted to her family and home.

Jean spent her early years in Cincinnati before moving to Miamisburg, Ohio, where she dedicated herself to being a homemaker and caretaker, creating a warm and loving environment for her family. Her nurturing spirit and steadfast support were the cornerstones of her household.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved son, John E. Harrell, her devoted husband of 52 years, Herschel Kidder, her parents Charles and Gloria Stevens and Ethel and Otis Smith, as well as her brother Robert “Bob” Stevens. She cherished her family deeply and leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Harter Warner and her husband Bill of Fort Worth, Texas; her sons, James Michael Harrell and his wife Linda of Austin, Texas, and Richard Gordon Kidder and his wife Michelle of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Her memory will also be treasured by her grandson, Jon Austin Kidder of Hendersonville, North Carolina and her great-grandson, Benny.

Jean is also survived by her sisters, Faye Smith Hatfield and her husband David of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kimberly Stevens Brooks and her husband Harold of Franklin, Ohio, as well as her sister-in-law Susan Stevens of Jeffersonville, Kentucky. She leaves behind numerous other family members, including Cathy England (Gary), Roger "Bo" Bates (Allison), Brandy Brown (Vincent), Bobbi Jean Ratliff (Jimmy), Jaime Cooper, Monica Brooks, Bradley Brooks (Allison), and many others who were touched by her kindness and generosity.

A funeral service to honor Jean's life will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3940 Kettering Boulevard Kettering, Ohio. The family will accept friends and family at 1:00 PM with her service beginning at 2:00 PM. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Dayton National Cemetery at a later time. 

Jean's family and friends will remember her as a pillar of strength and compassion, whose gentle presence will be dearly missed.