When my Grandma was getting close to passing she told my cousin that she had been spending a lot of time with my Grandpa (passed away in 2008) and that she had seen where they were going to live and it is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you Grandma, for that tiny glimpse into eternity.
Joe, the kids and I were able to fly to Boise for the funeral. It was so nice not to have to drive!!! I loved being able to have my family with me. I don't get to see my relatives in Idaho often, so my kids didn't even remember them. It had been a while for Joe too. Joe and I got to sing together at the funeral. I love singing with him! We had a great reunion. Grandma and Grandpa were close by, we could tell.
I love you Grandma and I am so happy you are with Grandpa now. I know you will watch over us all. Thank you for being such a wonderful Grandma. I will miss you, but I know you are so happy!Iretta Nokleby Larsen was born November 21, 1912 in Nampa, Idaho, a daughter of L.G. and Elizabeth Nokleby. She passed away peacefully at the Valley View Retirement Center while in the presence of her loving family. She spent most of her childhood in Boise where she graduated from Boise High School in 1931. Following high school Iretta worked at the Mode where she was a mannequin and window dresser. A beautiful young woman, she was also a model at the Mode’s fashion shows presenting the store’s new seasonal women’s clothing.
Iretta was sought after by many eligible young male suitors during her courting years, until a blind date with Paul B. Larsen of Preston, Idaho turned her head permanently. They were married on June 28, 1935 in Boise. Later their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Temple. Her husband’s business took them to Minneapolis, Minnesota in December of 1936. In May of the following year a son, Kim, was born.
When Paul joined the Navy in 1942 the family moved with him to Olathe, Kansas and then to Vero Beach, Florida. When Paul was overseas Iretta and Kim returned to Boise to live with her parents. Following the war Boise became their home and it was there that two more children blessed their home in 1947 and 1950, a son, Rex and a daughter, Kay. Iretta often remarked to family and friends that her happiest and most fulfilling years were those that found her caring for and nurturing her children. Her family was her pride and joy and her children readily confess their gratitude for her loving instructions in all areas of civility, including, honesty, charity, daily prayer, etiquette and being a friend. Additionally, Iretta and Paul raised two beautiful girls, Helene (Cox) and Rena (Thurber) of German decent, who lived with and shared in all family affairs and who today are considered family.
Her husband, Paul, provided well for Iretta and the family and she was so proud of her home. She took great pride in her home’s décor and her family will readily admit that she was the original, “Queen of clean”! Iretta took advantage of opportunities to entertain and was known for her wonderful dinners and luncheons she hosted for civic, business and club affairs. Iretta was an elegant representative of womanhood – beautiful, stately, formal when formal was required and casual and comfortable on cue. She was easily approached and conversation was uncomplicated and pleasant. She tried to instill her many wonderful qualities in her children and she was teaching by word and example until her last days.
There seemed to be no end to Iretta’s talents. She was very active in her Craft Club. She was constantly involved in her chosen hobbies of ceramics and needlepoint. Upon visiting the kids and grandkids, one would always find a beautifully painted ceramic piece, a needlepoint cover upon a stool or as a wall hanging, or both. She was artistic and oh so giving to others of her talents.
Iretta was very involved in the LDS church, especially with the Primary (younger-aged) children. She served many years with responsibilities for these children and they loved her stories and songs. When her children were in school she was active as a volunteer and a room mother. She was always helping where her children were concerned.
There was another less formal side to Iretta. One only has to remember the gorgeous exhibition ballroom dancing she did with her brother, Lee Nokleby, of the local Lee’s Candies on Vista Ave. All at these events expected a gorgeous dance routine and this they always received. However, at times Iretta would trip indicating a horrible mistake at which the audience would cringe and feel for her, only to find the routine was designed to make them laugh as Iretta and Lee developed 4 left feet and wound up in a tangled mess. Iretta was quite a comedienne – a great joke teller, a comedy pantomime artist and a master of rubber faces. All these sides to Iretta created a respect for her many talents and a gratitude for her passing some of these talents among the family members. After all was said and done, her family was the grand finale of her life and her family loves her for her dedication to them.
Her husband, Paul; her parents; and her brother, Lee, have preceded her in death. Survivors include her children, Kim and Geri Larsen and their four children; Rex and Debby Larsen and their five children; Kay and Doug Kowallis and their three children; two “German daughters”, Helene Cox and her daughter, and Rena and Ron Thurber and their three children; her younger sister, Edythe Dodds and her five children; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Iretta’s family extend a special thanks to Debby Larsen, Carman Roman and her family, Summer Treadwell and Anita Hatfield, who have served as Iretta’s primary caregivers for the past 4 1/2 years. Their continual dedication to Iretta’s needs at all times is so appreciated. Additional thanks and appreciation go to the personnel and residents at Wynwood Brookdale-Villas at River Place, where Iretta and Paul resided for over 10years and Valley View Retirement Center, where Iretta resided for the past 3 ½ months and to St Luke’s Hospice, all of whom were marvelous examples of kindness and love.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Park Center Ward LDS Chapel, 2300 Bergeson St., Boise. Friends may call to visit with the family on Friday, April 9th, from 6-8 p.m. at Relyea Funeral Chapel, and from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. at the church on Saturday prior to the services. Interment will follow the services at Cloverdale Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Relyea Funeral Chapel.
So, Brynn and Jade have been on a plane before, but they didn't remember it, so they were super excited!!!
We were split up at the beginning of the flight and I was sitting by Jaden. I caught some pretty cute footage of Jaden taking it all in...
During taxi:
During take off:
Imagine being "the one" to save a precious life. What a gift!
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