Obituary: Norma Dale Hood (Dennisson)

Norma Dale Hood (Dennisson)

Dec. 16, 1939~March 5, 2017
Norma Dale Hood (Dennisson), born Dec. 16, 1939, in Santa Fe, N.M., passed peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2017, with her family at her side at St. Anthony’s Central Hospital, in Lakewood, Colo. Married at age 19 to Jerry Aundos Hood, Ph.D., they raised their four children in Albuquerque, and she cared for Jerry at home until his untimely death due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease in 1995. They are survived by their four children, Debra Salter, M.D., Captain Jeffrey Hood, U.S.N. (ret), Kenneth Hood, and Stephen Hood, as well as 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Norma was a business owner of Dennisson Doors, Inc., in Albuquerque, and served eight years as a New Mexico State Representative where she championed children and family issues.
In her later years, she met her good friend Officer Rod Harris with whom Norma co-authored four delightful and successful books, published as the “Frank 3 En-Route” series which included “The Streets of Las Vegas,” “The Call,” “It Ain’t Finished” and the “Last Straw.” Their books received a four-star rating from Clarion and the series is being considered for a TV mini-series.
She was instrumental in the startup of the Rangely Chapter of New Eden Pregnancy Care Center and the Mothers of Preschoolers program in Rangely where she taught healthy parenting skills. She was also involved in the creation of the Rangely Community Garden and particularly loved setting up her plot of the garden as a haven for children with a treasure trunk of small toys from which to choose at the end of the garden. She was known for her ready smile and generous warm hugs. Norma was generous with her time and, known as an excellent cook, she participated tirelessly in cooking and baking for various fundraisers and friends.
As a member of “The Wild Bunch” as they called themselves, the seniors of Rangely supported each other and the community, celebrated birthdays and spread cheer. Norma said of Rangely, “It is the hometown I always wanted.”
Her children remember her as an outstanding Girl Scout leader, school mother (not just room mother), church youth group leader in which all the youth called her “mom,” champion of her children in their achievements, and counseled many in time of need. She opened her home to foreign exchange students and anyone who needed a place to stay during difficult times. It is said by those who knew her that she always saw the best in others and was known to never withdraw when a helping hand was needed. She was also amazing at rallying others behind worthwhile causes. Her strong Christian faith saw her through her most recent illness; a faith that she lovingly conveyed along with her wisdom in the numerous poems and writings she shared with her family and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Norma’s life will be held at Grace Baptist Church, at 144 S. Stanolind Ave., Rangely, Colo., on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Following the service there will be a potluck fellowship with entree and beverages offered by the family. Feel free to bring a dish to pass. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to New Eden Pregnancy Care Center. A drop box will be available at the service.