EAST CARBON-Our beloved, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, was reunited with her husband Charles and other family members on June 9, 2011 at the age of 85. She was born Dec. 28, 1925 to Hyrum Leo and Inez Oviatt Tidwell in Kenilworth, Utah. The family moved around a lot in her early life. Many a tale was told of her difficulties getting to and from school, as well as many other adventures she experienced in her life.
Norma was truly a pioneer; her first home after she was married to Verdis Ugeen Winder was a log cabin, with no running water or electricity. After losing her husband and her infant daughter Ronnie Jean by the young age of 21, she was left to raise three children on her own. She worked hard and cherished her young children. At the age of 22 she also lost her infant son, Richard.
In 1948 she met Charles Hunter, they were married on April 27, 1950 in Aztec, N.M. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti temple on Feb. 26, 1977. Together they had three children Sharon, Doug and Rosie. They spent 60 years together before dad was called home. This broke her heart and she longed to go and be with him from that day on. She always took great pride in her family. She loved the family outings, hunting, fishing and camping. She was a devout member of the LDS church and served in many callings including Relief Society President, and wife of the bishop. Norma always put the needs of others before her own, even when she was not able to get around herself she was still crocheting lap throws to be donated to the care centers.
Of more recent times some of her favorite things were visits from her family and friends, she enjoyed reminiscing about the old days. Her memory was amazing and the grandkids and great- grandkids loved to hear her stories. She also looked forward to her weekly phone call from Buzz and Claudia who are serving a mission near Ely, Nev.
Norma leaves us all with wonderful memories of her kind heart and generous spirit.
Norma is survived by her children; son in law Elmer Haggadone and his children (Gary) and Wondra, and Cash and (Christi); Verdis and (Claudia) Winder of Randolph, Utah and their four boys- Wayne and (Tammy), Robert and (Amy), Charles and (Elizabeth), and Anthony and (Lexi); (Peter) and Sharon Kocum and their two boys Tim and (Bridgett), and Cameron; Douglas and (Jerry) Hunter and their children (Mark) and April, Brandon and (Eric) and JaNell; (Raul) and Rosie Mena of East Carbon and their three children: Scott and (Laurie), Bryan and (Lisa) and (Jake) and Monica; 36 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by: parents, husband’s Verdis Ugeen and Charles and daughter’s Ronnie Jean, and Phyllis and son Richard, brothers Ira and Ken.
A special thank you to Raul Mena (son-in-law) who never missed a day of caring for and visiting mom.
A special thanks to Terri Stevenson, Rick Stockberger and the excellent group of staff and volunteers of Rocky Mountain Hospice and to her special neighbor Sharon Russell.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the East Carbon LDS Church (145 Grassy Trail Drive – East Carbon, Utah.) A viewing will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 6- 8 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary (680 East 100 South – Price, Utah) and on Saturday from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Sunnyside Cemetery.
Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guest book and share memories of Norma at www.fausettmortuary.com.
Afton “Norma” Hunter
"Afton "Norma" Hunter"