Nora Lee Koeven

Centerfield, Utah - Nora Lee Lowe Koeven, age 86, returned home to our Heavenly Father July 12, 2016.The setbacks in Nora Lee's life only strengthened her resolve to volunteer her help. She was born on March 1, 1930 the 13th of 16 children, a daughter of LeRoy Doney and Anna Laura Allen Lowe, in the lonely hamlet of Wapello, Idaho. She was raised near the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, where she had to lookout for herself and her siblings since she was old enough to walk. Nora Lee's mother didn't know how to sew, so Nora Lee had to pick up the skill herself to keep the family clothed. She learned to be a skilled seamstress. She made countless quilts, and wore out three sewing machines over the course of her life When Nora Lee was young, her father would load his old organ into his truck, and along with his harmonica he would play at a different neighbors house each week. There Nora Lee would sing in duets and trios, while friends and neighbors would roll back the rugs and dance! Even is her later years Nora Lee would remember those beloved songs, and she loved to share them. She also continued to sing in church choirs and other venues throughout her life. She married Farrington "Frank" John Koeven on June 28, 1950 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Nora Lee and Frank loved being on the water together. They both loved to fish, and they loved water sports. Nora Lee would drive the boat while the family skied, or fished. She and Frank were responsible for teaching countless kids from the community how to water ski. She and Frank operated the Gunnison Floral and Pharmacy together for 15 years. She was a talented florist who had a knack for making every arrangement both beautiful, and customized to the recipient. She loved people, and believed that everybody should be able to afford a flower. After Frank's death on January 25, 1982 she sold the store and floral shop to Redge Jensen. Though she missed being a florist she loved working in her home and yard. She was content enough with her home and yard that she didn't take vacations. She married Allen Williams in 1990, but they divorced amicably four years later. They spent a lot of time together entertaining with their singing. Nora Lee was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she served in many callings including ward Relief Society President. She served a mission at the Manti LDS Temple. She also served in countless roles in the community. She delivered meals for seniors with the Six County Aging and Volunteer Service, and at the Senior Citizens Center. She served at the Central Utah Correctional Facility teaching prisoners how to crochet, and She served many individuals in the community, cooking their food, and cleaning their homes. Nora Lee's loving service, and charitable spirit will be missed by both her friends in the community, and her beloved family. Nora Lee is survived by her children: Dixie and Richard Smith of Centerfield; Britt and Tena Koeven of Pleasant Grove; Stewart and Jill Koeven of Salt Lake City; Garen and Julie Koeven of St. George; her sister Anna May Winger of California; her sister-in-laws: Helena Lowe of Idaho; Joann Koeven of Idaho; 22 Grandchildren; 59 Great- Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren; her beloved dog Kisses. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Frank; her granddaughter Mindee Lee Olsen; her great-granddaughters: Kalsey Christensen; Kacee Lee Ziegler; Kaitlyn Koeven; her great-grandsons: Jaden Smith; Tyson Smith. Funeral services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday July 16, 2016 in the Centerfield 1st Ward Chapel, 230 South Main Centerfield. Friends may call for viewing Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the ward chapel, or Saturday morning from 10:30 am to 11:30 am prior to the services. Burial will be in the Gunnison City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.