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Burley

Our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, Norene Mitchell, age 90, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2010, at the Cassia Regional Medical Center in Burley.  She was surrounded by her family and friends.

Norene was born and raised in Ririe, Idaho. She was the fifth of seven children born to Fred and Elizabeth Nalder. She loved her siblings and had a close relationship with them.  Her two older sisters, Irene and Alene, died of influenza before she was born, but she kept them alive by always mentioning them whenever she talked about her family.  Growing up, Norene loved to be outside playing with her brothers, Lloyd, Jim and Dean, and her sister, Leona. Her parents had a 40-acre farm and all the kids helped run it.  Norene had a sentimental way of reminiscing about her childhood and could remember very small details about her childhood and shared them often.  She always spoke very affectionately about her family.

She loved doting on her sister, Leona, doing her hair every day from grade school up until she got married.  All the kids helped the family with the farm. They lived completely off the land, growing all their own food, and bringing in their own harvest. Norene hauled hay, picked strawberries, raised pigs and turkeys along with the rest of the family. She said she loved the work because she could spend time with her parents and siblings.

When Norene graduated from high school she moved into the Rigby Hotel and lived with Leona, while working as a telephone operator.  On Sept. 9, 1939, Norene went to the Harvest Dance in Ririe, where she met Nile Mitchell.  They courted for two years. Nile would drive 25 miles just to see her.  Nile and Norene were married in the Logan LDS Temple on Jan. 9, 1942, and one month later Nile was drafted into World War II.  They were separated for approximately  3 ½ years during the war.

When Nile returned home from the service, he and Norene started their family. They were blessed with six children, Neldon, Nilene, Lynn, Dell, Brent and Bruce. She loved being a mother but worried and fretted over her children. She was alone with the children many summers while Nile had to work in California for the A & P Tea Company buying and selling produce.  She always said she managed by relying heavily on prayer and the Lord.

When Nile retired in 1989, he and Norene were able to spend time doing things they loved: fishing, gardening, cooking for anyone who walked through the door, and spending time with their family. Norene spent countless hours making quilts for each family member, doing genealogy and preparing Books of Remembrance for each of her children and grandchildren.  She baked wonderful homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, and too many meals to count.  You never left the Mitchell’s house hungry.  Even if you said you just ate, it was as if they couldn’t hear you, and they fixed you a plate anyway.  Grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles and mashed potatoes will be greatly missed.  It didn’t matter the weather, Norene couldn’t let you drive away without sending you off with a loaf of bread and following you all the way down the driveway saying, “Tally-ho!!!” and blowing kisses.

Norene was a lifelong member of the LDS Church and served in the Relief Society, Young Women’s, as a genealogy extractor, a Scout merit badge councilor, in the Indian placement program, and loved going to the temple.  She was a spiritual person who often shared her personal experiences. She loved the Book of Mormon and was a living example of compassionate service.

Norene is survived by her sister, Leona Ricks of Farmington, Utah; her sons, Neldon (Susan) of Spokane, Washington, Lynn (Jan), and Dell (Susan) all of Declo, Brent (Karen) of Rupert, and Bruce (Elaine) of Oakley; along with 29 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; two sisters; her husband, Nile Mitchell; her daughter, Nilene (Dale) Turner; and one grandson, Brian Neldon Mitchell.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Delores Gerhardt.  Delores has been Mom’s care giver for the last 2 ½ years since Dad’s passing, and she has become a close personal friend.  Her service to our mother and grandmother went above and beyond care giving.  Knowing that Norene was never alone was an extreme comfort to the family.  Norene and Delores formed a bond so strong that Grandma began introducing her as “my sister.”  A special thank you to all the care givers that cared for our mom.  Thank you to the staff at Cassia Regional Medical Center and to the hospice team for making Mom’s last days on this earth as comfortable as possible. A special thank you to Grandma’s home teacher, Keith Crockett, and family.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 24, at the Springdale LDS Church, 475 E. 200 S., of Burley, with Bishop Gregg M. Harman officiating.  Burial will be in the Declo Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16^th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday at the Church.