Obituary of Norma Jean Conklin

Recognized by her laugh, she loved most all, and most all loved her.  A native of Colorado, a graduate of West High School, and extremely proud to be a singer on the Singing Christmas Tree.  She was the last of her siblings to pass.  She was a good mom, her kids always came first, and they always felt secure.  Being a single mother in the 1970s, she always had two-three jobs.  Her main career was at Colorado General Hospital, and she was one of the first female administrative supervisors of a department.  Then she had multiple waitress, hostess, clerical, bartender, assistant, and sales jobs she worked through the years.  She was one of the first employees of Jake Jabs, she met many celebrities through her part-time jobs.  In addition to Colorado General Hospital, she worked for the Town of Belgrade, an airport, bowling alleys, and nightclubs.  The best jobs were the ones she was able to work with her kids, and her kids loved working with her!

She loved her animals, and basically ALL animals.  Two of her animals were extra special to her, her horse Nikki, and her Keeshond, TeAmo.  She loved fun, food, and drinking.  The mountains were her getaway. Her passion for food was passed down to her children.  Among many other things, dementia took that from her, but she’s free now.

Stubbornness and determination, that’s how we survive.  Two of her favorite statements – words of wisdom – were “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” and “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.  Norma instilled confidence and self-esteem in her children by always explaining that they could ‘do anything they set their minds to’ – always encouraging them to dream big.

To plant a tree in memory of Norma Conklin, please visit the Tribute store.  Donations to dementia research are preferred in lieu of flowers.