Norma Rae Dimmitt

On April 25, 2024, Norma Rae Rice Dimmitt joined in eternity her beloved husband, Louis (Lou), who passed away in May 2010. Norma was born on August 22, 1943, in Hannibal, Missouri as the only daughter of James (Jim) and Vera Stephens Rice. She was raised on a farm in Illinois where she learned to care for a home and family.

She graduated from Seymour High School in Payson, Illinois in 1961 and started testing radios for work at Motorola where she met Lou Dimmitt. They were married on May 21, 1966, and bought a house previously converted to 3 apartments. The rent allowed them to pay for it in two years. When the G.I. Bill was re-enacted, Lou returned to the University of Illinois and graduated in 1972 with his engineering degree. Norma proudly got her PHT (Putting Hubby Through) degree.

Because Norma’s dream was to be a stay-at-home mom, she was grateful that Lou supported her in that accomplishment. They started their family in 1970 when a daughter, Sarah, was born. A son, Louis, was born in 1972. They moved to Loveland, Colorado in 1972 where Lou began his career at Hewlett Packard and Norma raised a family – being the stay-at-home mom she always wanted. A daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1974 and a son, Aaron, arrived in 1978.

Norma was an expert seamstress and custom-made many of her children's and grandchildren’s clothing even tailoring suits and wedding dresses for a better fit. Plus, she loved teaching others how to sew.Norma valued her children’s education such that she and other parents from Van Buren Elementary School developed the first organized parent-volunteer program. She was recognized in 1984 with the Governor’s School Volunteer Award where she attended a banquet with Governor Lamm.

Her family was always her greatest accomplishment as she loved being a mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She enjoyed playing games, completing puzzle books, and spending time with her large extended family. Norma was grateful to have a Secret Santa who surprised her with a special stocking each Christmas and a Secret Flower Angel who planted flowers in her yard each Mother’s Day. She always happily awaited their arrival.

As she aged, she was saddened by the loss of her independence and diminished hearing, sight, and mobility. However, she loved reminding others she could still converse and share stories. She was a truly fantastic storyteller and always enthralled the kids and grandkids with tales of old.

She was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Vera Rice, two brothers, Jimmy and Carl, and her husband, Lou Dimmitt. Her surviving family includes her children, Sarah (Ron) Christensen, Louis (Linzie) Dimmitt, Jennifer (Amadeo) Barela, Aaron (Laura) Dimmitt, and Andrea Dimmitt. Her surviving grandchildren include Melyssa (Max) Ferdon, Rebekah (Ian) Kalra, Emilee (Brett) Duncan, Zephaniah Barela, Rachel Barela, Elijah Barela, Rylee Dimmitt, Aison Dimmitt, and Ariston Dimmitt. Her surviving great-grandchildren are Spencer Ferdon, Jade Ferdon, and Scarlett Kalra. She is also survived by a brother, Larry Rice, of Quincy, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

She was blessed with frequent visits by her family since most of them lived nearby in Loveland and Fort Collins, Colorado. Norma had great faith and loved her church, Zion Lutheran Church. It is an honor to see her family legacy thrive. She is greatly missed by all those who loved her stories and her capacity to forgive. God Bless you, Norma!

Viewing Wednesday May 1, 2024, 4:00-7:00pm at Viegut Funeral Home. Burial Friday May 3, 2024, 10:00am at Loveland Burial Park with a Memorial service 11:00am at Zion Lutheran Church with a reception following the service.