Loretta Mae Kerstiens

Loretta Mae (Babish) Kerstiens was born on July 3, 1938 as the youngest of 11 children. She was raised in northeast Denver and graduated from North High School. On June 3, 1961 Loretta married Jim Kerstiens. Together they raised six children and they were blessed with 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren: Lynette & Mitch Smith, Levi, Mara, & Kyle; Shane & Bonnie Kerstiens, Charlie, Cassidy & John Jones, Jett, Morgan & Homer Ortiz, Rocky, Rush & Royal, Chance & Quaid; Renee & Sam Hartman, Sami Jo, Ashley, & Zachary; Stacy & Jim Allen, Madison & Sheridan; Cory & Rick Kastle, Nick; Shannon & Richard Rizzi. Loretta's first priorities were to her family and her faith. She was a devout Catholic and found much comfort in faith, especially praying the Rosary. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow up and participate in sports and activities. She would do anything for her children and grandchildren's happiness. Loretta was also known in their neighborhood as the best hairstylist. Little girls would line up in the morning before school to get their hair done by Loretta. Her only rule was they had to bring back their ribbon for the next day. She never shied away from hosting family get-togethers. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She found great joy in decorating and shopping for the season. She had some of the most beautifully decorated Christmas trees over the years. She enjoyed an evening of dancing and would never turn down a game of bingo. You could often find her cleaning, organizing, or cooking inside her home. Loretta was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandma. She was greatly admired and loved and she will be missed. Viewing will be Monday, September 22, 2014, 6 PM, followed immediately by a Vigil (Rosary), at 7 PM, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, Colorado. Funeral Mass is Tuesday, September 23, 2014, 10:30 AM, St. Mark Catholic Church, 3141 West 96th Avenue, in Westminster, Colorado. Entombment immediately follows at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Greeting of relatives and friends and luncheon will follow the Entombment at the Briarwood Inn, 1630 8th Street, in Golden, Colorado. Memorials in her name may be made to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rocky Mountain Chapter, 720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 500-S, Denver, Colorado 80246. Please share memories of Loretta and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.