Norma Jean Theisen

Norma Jean lived her entire life in or very near North Denver. She graduated from North High School where she was known as ""Rootin Tootin Wooten"". After graduation she worked in a book bindery where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Theisen. Without the initial approval of her parents she was swept off her feet by that rowdy Catholic man that was much too old for her. As their love blossomed and their family grew, her parents realized that he was the perfect man for her. Their deep love for each other was undeniable. They sang and danced and held hands throughout their married life. Together they proudly raised 8 children --- each knows with confidence they are her favorite. Though many saw her life as challenged by many trials and tribulations, she instead saw things from the ""sunny side"". Her laughter and love always won out. She formed strong friendships that have grown over the years. She stayed in close contact with many of her childhood girlfriends and shared life's celebrations and hardships with the beauty of a genuine bond that grew stronger as time went on. The 'Fertile Myrtles"", or ""Club"" met every month for years and the survivors are still connected by so many memories of their laughing, crying and playing together for the past 80 years. After many years of staying close to home, other than the annual family fishing trip to Meeker, Norma Jean was bitten hard by the travel bug. She had many ""adventures"" with family and friends to destinations near and far. Her closest travel buddy was her sister, Lois. She never visited a place that didn't have something to enjoy. Grandma Tipsy Toes' tradition of taking each of her 22 grandchildren to Glenwood on the train for their 7th birthday was a ""rite of passage"" into the ""big kid"" club. Norma Jean was accomplished at bowling, fishing, sewing, crocheting, cooking and ANYTHING else she set her mind to doing. She started her own business with the beautifully unique paper dolls she designed. She was a most compassionate friend as well as a nurturing mom, grandma and great grandma. Her Catholic faith and love of the Lord guided her through all of her days. Shaking hands with Pope John Paul II was one of the true highlights of her life. She was a blessing to everyone she met. During her time at Balfour, she brightened the days of residents and staff that carefully tended her. She found great comfort and joy in sharing stories and hugs with anyone willing to lend an ear or hold her hand. She never gave up. Though her eyesight was failing, she stepped up to the challenge of painting and contributed to the ""Memories in the Making"" painting project. Norma Jean loved her root beer and Balfour has agreed to name May 24th as ""Root Beer Float Day"" in honor and memory of this beautiful spirit. She will be well thought of and missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing her. Norma Jean Theisen was born in Denver, Colorado on May 9, 1928 to Orlin Wooten and Ethel (Morse) Wooten, and passed away at Balfour Retirement Community on May 24, 2016 at age 88. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth H. Theisen. Norma was preceded in death by one son, Ronald (Katie)Theisen. She is survived by her seven children, Timothy (Mary Anne) Theisen, Mary Lou (Russell) Hendrix, Daniel (Joyce) Theisen, Douglas (Dori) Theisen, James (Sue) Theisen, Christopher Theisen and Cherilynn (Brad) Zall. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Nikki Theisen. Her surviving grandchildren are Jennifer Theisen, Melissa Carroll, Sean Theisen, Andrew Theisen, Brianna Hendrix, Sara Crain, Zachary Hendrix, Cody Hendrix, Bayli Hendrix, Colleen Theisen, Julie Gallardo, Bradley Theisen, Lucas Theisen, Karin Theisen, Amber Ortiz, Molly Theisen, James Theisen, Jr., Rebecca Ramirez, Jeremy Theisen, Zachary Theisen, Jessica Theisen, Caitlynn Zall, and Victoria Zall. Norma is also survived by 39 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her brother and sister, Lois Johnson and Robert Wooten also preceded her in death. Visitation will be held 5PM Friday, May 27th at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3020 Federal Boulevard. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7PM. The Funeral Service will be 10AM Saturday, May 28th at Redeemer Temple, 3701 West 64th Avenue in Arvada. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family suggests Memorial Contributions to The American Cancer Society, 2255 South Oneida Street, Denver, Colorado 80224.