Norma Mayberry Shaball

Norma (Mayberry) Shaball was born in Henderson, Colorado, December 8, 1928 to John Richard Mayberry and Adeline Farinacci Mayberry. Her beloved husband, John Shaball preceded her in death in 2005. Also preceding her in death are her parents and her older brother, Raymond Mayberry. She is survived by her daughter, Teri Zuber Eichman, grandchildren, Hans, Erich, and Terin Eichman (Foster), Derick Foster and great-grandson, Cody Foster. She has a very large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. She peacefully passed away on January 2, 2020 at 91 years old. Her daughter, Teri, always and forever by her side.

Norma grew up on the family homestead dairy farm in Henderson, which is now part of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. She and her brother, Raymond, rode their horses each day to attend two room Cactus Ridge School. During World War II, the government acquired the land of the Mayberry and several other farms to build Rocky Mountain Arsenal resulting in the family moving to Denver. Norma graduated from East High School in 1946.

After graduating, Norma became a secretary utilizing her top notch organization, shorthand and typing skills. She also grew into a stunningly beautiful woman. She quickly rose to Executive Secretary status at Continental Oil. In the late 1940's early 1950's, she was the secretary to U.S President Dwight Eisenhower when he would often stay in Denver for extended periods of time, as his wife, Mamie was from Denver.

Around 1951-52, Norma got an adventurous spirit and accepted a job at a popular tourist attraction, Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida-and what an adventure it was! She was a part-time secretary for the Gardens. The rest of the time she performed in water skiing shows mostly riding on top of the pyramids, modeling, and appearing in movies. While on a photo shoot with World Champion Water Skier, Alfredo Mendoza, for Life Magazine in 1955, he fell resulting in Norma being injured with a broken back. The adventure was over and she returned to Denver.

In 1956 she gave birth to her daughter, Teri. For the next 3 years they lived in Hollywood, California, as Norma's first husband was in the show business field. Circumstances led Norma and Teri back to Denver in 1960. Soon afterwards she was stricken with uterine and ovarian cancer. She knew she had to conquer this-she had a little girl to raise. During this time she met the love of her life, John Shaball at Centennial Lanes Bowling in North Denver, owned by her parents. They married in 1961 and raised Teri together. After lengthy illnesses stemming from the cancer, Norma eventually returned to work in the early 1970's as an Executive Secretary for Wilfley Conveyers until she retired in the mid 1980's.

After retiring, Norma and John traveled the world. They were loving grandparents to their three grandchildren, playing a very active role in their upbringing. Ever the fighter, she survived two heart attacks. Once John became an amputee, she devoted herself to his care until his death in 2005. She continued to live and active life, still the strong, forward thinking, and progressive woman she always was. About five years ago, Alzheimer's disease, began it's slow, cruel attack on her mind and body. She passed away in her sleep during the night on January 2, 2020.

Norma was the rock and strength for her family, especially for her daughter, Teri. Her sweet, kind, loving, and generous nature, along with her ever present beautiful smile sometimes masked her amazing strength. She was an inspiration and so loved by so many.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 beginning at 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM followed by the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM, both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. The family invites everyone to join them for a luncheon immediately following the Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send donation in Norma’s honor to:

The Southwest Family YMCA

YMCA- Attn: Development Department

2625 South Colorado Boulevard

Denver, Colorado 80222

• Make checks to payable to YMCA, indicate “in memory of Norma Shaball” on the Check.

Please share your memories of Norma and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.

Visitation: January 13, 2020 10:00 am - 10:50 am

Horan & McConaty - SW Denver/Lakewood
3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80227

Funeral Service: January 13, 2020 11:00 am

Horan & McConaty - SW Denver/Lakewood
3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80227

Reception: January 13, 2020 12:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - SW Denver/Lakewood
3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80227