Rita Timermanis Keuten

Rita (Timermanis) Keuten entered into eternal life peacefully at her home in Golden surrounded by her family on Monday night, August 12 -- 30 days after being diagnosed with leptomeningeal brain cancer. After a successful battle with breast cancer only last year, the cancer metastasized to her brain at the base of the cerebellum. Rita underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and started radiation treatments. But, after a handful of treatments, it was evident that while killing bad cells, good cells were also affected. After speaking with the oncologist, the family jointly decided to send her home under hospice care where she could be comfortable and with family. Rita is survived by her husband of 28 years Dean Keuten, sons Karlis and Druvis of Golden, her parents Arija and Arvids Timermanis of Colorado Springs, twin sister Mara Luckey (Joe) of Westminster, younger sister Vita Barnes (Dan) of Colorado Springs, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews in Wyoming, Nebraska and Minnesota, and let's not forget the two dogs and two grand pups. Rita was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on September 18, 1954, seven minutes before her identical twin sister Mara. Little sister Vita joined the family 6-1/2 years later. Rita grew up speaking Latvian at home, so starting school and learning English was a bit of a challenge, which she easily overcame. Rita was active doing plays and reciting poems with the Latvian school, and dancing in the Latvian folk dancing group for many years. Rita was always near the top of her class and took advanced coursework, participated in a number of clubs/organizations, and graduated with honors near the top of her class from Palmer High School in 1972. Rita went on to the University of Colorado in Boulder and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1977 from the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. After graduating, Rita worked at several jobs as a Registered Nurse in Colorado and on Long Island in New York before landing a position at The Children's Hospital in Denver starting December 1979, where she dedicated over 31 years of her life helping sick children. Rita spent 14 years in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 9+ years in Radiology, and 8+ years as a Quality Improvement/Clinical Coordinator before she was laid off in February 2011. Rita held a number of certifications, including a Certified Pediatric Nurse, and a Certified Basic Life Provider /Instructor for the American Heart Association and was on numerous committees/task forces. Rita met the love of her life, Dean, in October 1983 on a double-date with Rita's dear friend Sue and Dean's old roommate. She became Mrs. Dean W. Keuten when they married in Denver on June 1, 1985, followed by a honey moon in the Big Easy New Orleans. Rita and Dean moved to their current home in Golden May 1986. Their son Karlis brightened their lives when he was born on February 21, 1987. Younger son Druvis joined the Keuten family November 27, 1988, and then double trouble began. Rita was a wonderful, caring, dedicated and involved Mother to her boys and actively supported their activities growing up, and as they moved on through college. Rita loved all types of dancing in her younger days including the jitterbug and country western. Rita loved flower gardening in their beautiful home creating a very calming and lovely atmosphere. She loved decorating their home perfect for every season. Rita and Dean enjoyed spending time together traveling with their motor home and going on mountain get-a-ways. Rita actively participated in the Colorado Woman's Club and other charitable activities. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 16, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Denver in Rita Keuten's memory, online at: http://www.komendenver.org/why-support-komen-denver/ Or Mail donations to: Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure 1835 Franklin Street Denver, CO 80218 Please share your memories of Rita and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.