Vona Harrison Aldridge

RUPERT – Vona Harrison Aldridge, was a loyal native of Rupert, Idaho, who loved her Idaho roots and lived there most of her 92 years. She had moved to Utah with her daughter and died, March 18, 2014, at the age of 92, at the Majestic Care and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born Dec. 22, 1921, in Rupert, Idaho, the sixth of nine children. She married W.E. (Mick) Aldridge on Aug. 16, 1938, in Rupert, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

Vona was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings in the church and was often found serving others. Vona and Mick worked with other ward members to build their beloved Third Ward building, and she wanted her funeral services in that building.

She proudly claimed the title of “Rosie the Riveter,” since she worked as a welder in the shipyards in Portland, Oreg., during World War II. Vona owned and operated Vona’s Stitches and Stuff on the square in Rupert for many years. She was well-known for her decorative embroidery on clothing, quilts, pillows, saddle blankets, and anything anyone needed sewn.

Vona moved to Utah with her daughter Janeal and lived there for two and a half years. She made a lot of new friends but always referred to Rupert as “home.” She was an avid gardener, and loved taking her grandchildren fishing. For many years she enjoyed traveling to visit her family.

Vona was preceded in death by her parents, Albert W. Harrison and Amy Hyde Harrison; her husband, W. E. (Mick) Aldridge; one son, William Eugene Aldridge; two brothers; four sisters; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

She is survived by two sisters, June Calton of Rupert, Idaho, and Rayda Baird of Providence, Utah; two sons, Jerry Aldridge (Anne) of Pensacola, Fl., and Neal Aldridge (Barbara) of Downey, Idaho; two daughters, Janeal Mecham, (Gary) of Taylorsville, Utah, and Faye Egli (Harold) of Logan, Utah; 16 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Rupert LDS 3rd Ward Church, 526 South F Street, in Rupert, with Bishop Thomas Haynes officiating. Burial will be in the Rupert Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.