Norma J. Karns, 72, of Fair Grounds Road, Huntingdon, formerly of Bedford, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 7, 2010, at her home in the company of family and friends.  She was born on Sunday, October 24, 1937, in Bedford Township, daughter of the late Charles F. Lantz, Sr. and Myrtle (Custer) Lantz.  She was first married to the late, Hiram C. Sleaster, and then later united in marriage to Teddy A. Karns.  Mr. Karns preceded her in death March 25, 2006.

Mrs. Karns is survived by a son, Harry C. Sleaster, of Utah; and a daughter, Teddy K. Householder and husband Gregory L., of Huntingdon; and two granddaughters, Taylor E. and Rachel E. Householder of Huntingdon. She was preceded in death by a son, Jerry F. Sleaster.

Also surviving are four brothers, William Lantz and wife Delores of Bedford, Stanley Lantz and wife Carrie of Frankfort, KY, Joseph Lantz of Breezewood, and Rick Lantz of Bedford. She was preceded in death by a sister, Iva Dean, and a brother, Charles Jr.

 Mrs. Karns was a homemaker as well as co-owner and operator, along with her husband, of "Ted Karns' Painting and Contracting, in Bedford for 40 years.  They sold their business and retired in 1989.

In 2006 Mrs. Karns moved from Bedford, where she had lived all her life until moving to Huntingdon to be closer to her family, especially her grandchildren, with whom she was particularly fond of.   She was an active member of Calvary Independent Baptist Church of Huntingdon.  Mrs. Karns will be remembered for her kindness, optimism, and most of all her sweet spirit.

A funeral service will be held at Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 11th, 2010  with Dr. Thomas Coleman officiating.

Interment will be at Sweet Root Cemetery Bedford Township.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Home Nursing Agency, 9492 William Penn Hwy., Huntingdon, PA 16652.