Verna Rickenbach DuPaix, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, returned to her Heavenly Father, December 20, 2015. She was living in Salt Lake City with her husband and son, who took loving care of her. The family wishes to express its appreciation for all those who have supported them during this time, including friends and caregivers that assisted Verna during her illness.
Verna was born August 6, 1947 in Afton, Wyoming, to William Rickenbach and Ruby Hansen Rickenbach. She graduated from BYU with a degree in social work. She married LeMoyne Alan DuPaix in the Oakland Temple and together they had five children. She lost her daughter Robin at the tender age of two. Verna enjoyed a close relationship with her mother-in-law Florence and helped care for her. Verna loved teaching small children and became a talented preschool teacher. She also worked as a manager at Emigration Market where she built strong relationships with her coworkers and people in the community. Verna will be remembered as a loving mother who put her family first and a devoted friend to all those who were lucky enough to know her. Her selfless attitude, sweet temperament, and unconditional love for her family and friends were the distinguishing hallmarks of her life.
Verna was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served as a counselor in the primary, a librarian, a beehive teacher, and a primary teacher. She supported her sons and daughter on their missions, even though it was hard for her to part with them. Verna felt great peace in attending church and loved her Savior.
Verna is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, LeMoyne; her children, Lee, Celeste (Cade), William (Maria), and Chere (Joe); her siblings, John, Fred, Bill, and Ann; and her grandchildren, Lindsey, Sonora, Cade, Inoke, Kainoa, Makena, and two others expected in April.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at 11:00 am, located at East Millcreek 6th Ward, 3103 East 3600 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 6:00pm‚8:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary, located at 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City and Tuesday from 9:30‚10:45 a.m. at the ward prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery in Provo, Utah at 2:15pm.
