Norma Heinitz

Norma D. Heinitz passed away quietly at her home on November 12, 2024. Norma was born October 16, 1926, in Iona, Idaho, to George S. Walker and MayBelle Eggleston. Norma was the oldest of five children. Norma lost her mother when she was eight years old. At that time, she, her siblings, and father moved in with their grandparents on the family farm. Norma attended local schools in the Iona and Ammon areas. Upon graduating high school or shortly after, she took a job in Idaho Falls as a telephone operator.

One night after a rodeo, while walking home, Norma and her friends were being teased by her brother, Jack. A young man stepped in to see if the girls needed help. He was told no, and the girls continued to walk. This young man took it upon himself to escort them home. His name was Vic Heinitz, and the rest is history. This couple has been married for 76 earthly years. During the reign over their kingdom, they lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho; Great Falls, Montana; Yuma, Arizona; Mankato, Minnesota; Butte, Montana; and East Helena, Montana. Norma and Vic were blessed with adopting four children (Vicki, Shari, Steve, and Jennifer). Norma was able to be there for her children through their lives growing up. In 1987, (several years after Vic retired from Western Airlines) they moved to East Helena, Montana, to be closer to many of the family.

Norma served in many church positions. She was devoted to her callings and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She strongly believed in her faith. She never had a harsh word for anyone (with the exception of Steve). Norma loved everyone. She also loved to garden, bake, cook, sew, and do many other crafts. Mostly she loved to crochet, which she did up to a couple weeks prior to her passing.

Norma is survived by her son, Steve Heinitz of Helena, MT; daughter, Jennifer (Beau) Opie of East Helena, MT; brother, Ray (Sharon) Walker of Hermiston, OR; eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many other family members.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Vic; daughters, Vicki and Shari; daughter-in-law, Melanie Heinitz; parents; and many other family members.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4225 Bobcat Drive. A reception will follow the service in the cultural center of the church.

A visitation in Idaho will be begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Wood Funeral Home East Side; 963 S. Ammon Road, Ammon Idaho. Burial will be 12 Noon at the Ammon Cemetery in Ammon, Idaho.