Norma Cloteel John

Norma Cloteel Hess John, 99,  passed away October 7, 2011 at the Lily House in Idaho Falls.

Norma Hess John was the fourth of eight children born January 10, 1912 to Jesse and Kate Hess.  She was born on a small farm in Goshen, Idaho were she learned to enjoy hard work at an early age.  She spent many happy days picking potatoes and hoeing beets.  Many of her fondest memories were working and playing with her sisters and friends.

She was an expert at getting her father to buy her that extra special dress that she thought she needed for the upcoming dance. She attended schools in Goshen and graduated from Firth High School in 1930.  While attending Firth High School she met the love of her life, Elmer John. They were married June 24, 1931 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple.

They worked side by side during the depression to make ends meet. Together they opened Johns Meat and Groceries in Firth, which they ran for 45 years.  It was here that they met and learned to love many friends. Elmer was drafted into the Army during WWII and she was left to run the grocery store while he served our country. While he was overseas she adopted the joy of her life, DelRay. Elmer returned home to experience the joy of being a dad. Two years later a miracle happened and LaMar was born into their family.

In addition to the grocery store she found time to work as a clerk at the old LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. She served in many church callings, but her favorite was serving as an officiator in the Idaho Falls Temple for 24 years.

She loved to play bridge in her younger days and was always knitting or crocheting.  Her children and grandchildren were the recipients of many a knitted piece of clothing or an afghan.

She is survived by one sister Doreen (James) Burkman of Blackfoot; son, DelRay (Lynda) John of Victor; son, LaMar (Verna Rae) John of Idaho Falls and now at the Provo Missionary Training Center; 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, two infant sisters, two brothers Marion (Laura) Hess and Ray (Veniece) Hess, two sisters Valene (Don) Summers and Zenna (Bill) Wrede.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday October 11, 2011 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Tuesday morning 9:30 till 10:40 A.M. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Goshen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hands of Hope Hospice, 1379 East 17

th

Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho  83404.