Barbara J. Denton

Barbara J. Denton, 88, passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2022 with her family. Born August 7, 1934 in Chicago, IL to Norwegian immigrants Signe and Olaf Isaksen, Barbara graduated from Shurzone High School in 1951 and attended Michigan State University. As a true city girl, she loved the Chicago Cubs and spent many years watching them play on opening day at Wrigley Field. On September 13, 1958 Barbara married the love of her life, William Denton. Together they started a family in Janesville, WI before moving to Neenah in 1966. They welcomed their first daughter, Paige, in 1962 and their second daughter, Amy, three years later. As the wife of a MacDowell singer, her love for music met its perfect match and she committed her time to the group for over 30 years. In 1974 Barb joined Mary Kay Cosmetics and quickly worked her way up to become a Sales Director. Some of her greatest achievements included earning the prized Mary Kay pink Cadillac, and later the pink Buick Regal, both of which she drove with immense pride. Along the way, she met dozens of wonderful customers that developed into lifelong friendships. Family and friends meant the world to Barbara, and she always thought of them as a blessing. She was the most devoted mother to her children and a wonderful wife to her husband, Bill. She was also incredibly proud and supportive of her four grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Besta". She loved spending summers with her family at their cottage in Waupaca, WI. She also enjoyed cooking for them and baking Norwegian desserts.

Barbara will be missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her two daughters Paige (Grant) Stepan in Lincolnwood, IL and Amy Hoeper (long-time partner, Jim Schultz) in Neenah, WI; as well as her four beloved grandchildren Sydney Hoeper (Missoula, MT), Mason Hoeper (Neenah, WI), Claire Stepan (Lincolnwood, IL), and Campbell Stepan (Des Moines, IA).

A special thank you to the entire American Grand staff for making Barb's final years filled with love, chocolate milk, lots of kisses, and the best care anyone could possibly ask for. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Heartland Home Hospice, particularly her RN Amy, for the compassionate care given to Barb.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 19th at First United Methodist Church. 325 E Franklin St, Appleton, WI 54911 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org).

Please consider remembering Barb by giving your time and kindness to others.