Norma Lou Nelson Whipple

DECLO – Norma Lou Nelson Whipple, 84, of Declo, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Norma was born on May 29, 1927, in Tooele, Utah, to Peter Sidley and Zella Simmons Nelson. She spent her early years in Tooele surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and her loving grandparents. When Norma was nine, the family moved to Oakley, Idaho, where she lived and graduated from Oakley High School. She met her husband, Don Whipple, and they were married on Aug. 12, 1945, when Don was home on leave while serving in the United States Army during World War II. Following the War, they moved to Declo, where Don ran the family farm. They still reside on the farm. Three children were born to Don and Norma. Norma worked at various jobs including bookkeeper of the Ponderosa Inn, H&R Block, and lastly as postmistress of the Declo Post Office where she served her patrons with kindness and consideration. In May 1990, Norma retired and they began spending their winters as “snowbirds” in Quartzsite, Arizona. Norma spent her life serving others. She was a wonderful mother and wife and cared for both her parents and Don’s parents in the months and years before they died. She had many friends whose friendships she greatly treasured. Norma loved to read and sew and worked hard to have a nice yard and home. Her greatest love was her family and she took care of Don and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren until the end of her life. Norma is survived by her husband, Don Whipple, of Declo; her brother, Peter Nelson of Ridgeland, South Carolina; her children, Carolyn (Dan) Gillett of Declo, Glen (Darla) Whipple of Laramie, Wyoming, and Gary (Marcie) Whipple of Farmington, Utah; her grandchildren, Tara (Troy) Whittier of Farmington, Utah, Rebecca Gillett of American Fork, Utah, Shane (Camille) Gillett of Williston, North Dakota, Laurie (Chris) Crandall of Shelley, Melissa (Monroe) Stocking of Fruita, Colorado, Lisa (Kirk) Nestler of Boise, Megan (Dave) Cook of American Fork, Utah, Michelle (Matthew) Williams of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Christian Whipple, Jonathan Whipple, and Andrew Whipple of Farmington, Utah; and 23 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 9, at the Declo LDS Stake Center, 213 W. Main St., in Declo, with Bishop Kelly Anthon officiating. Burial will be in the Declo Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.